# Bill Scanlan — The Maracot Deep character guide

> Bill Scanlan in The Maracot Deep by Arthur Conan Doyle.

**Role:** major

**Also known as:** Scanlan, Mr. Scanlan, Bob Scanlan

**First appearance:** 0000-i

## Snapshot

A blunt American engineer with a reporter's instinct for a story, he leavens Maracot's icy expedition with wisecracks and an eye on what the Ledger would pay.

## Who they are

Scanlan serves as second-in-command aboard the Stratford, and his running commentary is the counterweight to Maracot's austere silence. He calls the professor 'the world's stiffest stiff' while still respecting the man's genius, and he never stops calculating what their discoveries might be worth back home. His practical, irreverent presence keeps the expedition human as it descends into places no one has ever returned from.

## Relationships

### [Dr. Maracot](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_maracot_deep_se/characters/dr_maracot)

_professional_

Bill is the chief engineer and trusted right-hand man on Dr. Maracot's deep-sea expeditions.

### [The Doctor](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_maracot_deep_se/characters/the_doctor)

_friendship_

Bill and the Doctor share a camaraderie as fellow crew members and survivors in the deep-sea adventure.

### [Manda](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_maracot_deep_se/characters/manda)

_friendship_

Bill develops a protective and respectful bond with Manda, the Atlantean woman they encounter.

### [Berbrix](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_maracot_deep_se/characters/berbrix)

_rivalry_

Berbrix, a sinister Atlantean priest, is hostile and antagonistic toward Bill Scanlan.

### [Bo](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_maracot_deep_se/characters/bo)

_friendship_

Bill and Bo share a friendly, loyal companionship as fellow adventurers and allies.

### [Sir James Talbot](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_maracot_deep_se/characters/sir_james_talbot)

_professional_

Sir James Talbot is a British scientist and colleague who collaborates with Bill and Dr. Maracot.

### [Cyrus Headley](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_maracot_deep_se/characters/cyrus_headley)

_professional_

Bill and Cyrus Headley interact as part of the expedition team, with Headley as a financier and participant.

### [Baal](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_maracot_deep_se/characters/baal)

_rivalry_

Baal, a powerful Atlantean figure, is an adversary to Bill Scanlan and the expedition.

### [Captain Howie](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_maracot_deep_se/characters/captain_howie)

_professional_

Bill Scanlan and Captain Howie work together as crew members on the deep-sea vessel.

### [Bo](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_maracot_deep_se/characters/bo)

_friendship_

Bill and Bo share a friendly, loyal companionship as fellow adventurers and allies.

### [Dr. Maracot](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_maracot_deep_se/characters/dr_maracot)

_professional_

Bill is the chief engineer and trusted right-hand man on Dr. Maracot's deep-sea expeditions.

### [The Doctor](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_maracot_deep_se/characters/the_doctor)

_friendship_

Bill and the Doctor share a camaraderie as fellow crew members and survivors in the deep-sea adventure.

## In the story

### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_maracot_deep_se/chapters/i)

Head mechanic and companion to Headley; involved in a scuffle on the pier; provides comic relief.

### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_maracot_deep_se/chapters/ii)

Expresses fear and caution during the descent and encounter with the creature, but follows Maracot's lead.

### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_maracot_deep_se/chapters/iii)

Wakes up laughing, uses humor to cope; plays mouth-organ for the Atlanteans and tries to communicate with slang.

### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_maracot_deep_se/chapters/iv)

Narrates the chapter, describes the ocean floor, the coal mine, and the historical exhibition.

### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_maracot_deep_se/chapters/v)

Rushes to attack the blanket fish, demonstrates the radio receiver with Berbrix, and proposes the rescue plan involving vitrine balls.

### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_maracot_deep_se/chapters/vi)

Accompanies Maracot and Headley on the hunt; shares in the danger.

### [The Lord of the Dark Face](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_maracot_deep_se/chapters/vii)

Accompanies Headley in exploring the Black Marble Palace and witnesses the demon's defeat.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_maracot_deep_se/characters/bill_scanlan
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_maracot_deep_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_maracot_deep_se/characters