The Master

Mr. Henry

Bitter fraternal rivalry fueled by jealousy, betrayal, and a lifelong struggle for inheritance and honor.

Secundra Dass

An Indian servant who follows the Master with eerie devotion, assisting his schemes and later his resurrection attempt.

John Mountain

A hired ruffian and accomplice who aids the Master in his criminal exploits with grudging respect.

Colonel Burke

A fellow Jacobite adventurer and drinking companion who shares the Master's reckless escapades.

Teach

The infamous pirate Blackbeard, who briefly employs the Master as a lieutenant in his crew.

Mrs. Henry

She harbors a secret, doomed romantic obsession with the Master, which poisons her marriage to Mr. Henry.

Lord Durrisdeer

The aging father favors the Master as his firstborn, causing deep familial discord and neglect of Mr. Henry.

Mr. Bally

A lawyer and accomplice who handles the Master's financial and legal manipulations.

Dutton

A servant at Durrisdeer who is bribed or coerced into spying for the Master.

Hastie

A pirate and henchman who follows the Master's commands during their American adventures.

Sir William Johnson

The British colonial official who employs the Master as a spy and agent during the French and Indian War.

Mr. Henry

Bitter fraternal rivalry fueled by jealousy, betrayal, and a lifelong struggle for inheritance and honor.

The Master of Ballantrae

The elder brother, James Durie, is charming, reckless, and volunteers to join the Jacobite rebellion, leaving Henry behind.

I: Summary of Events During the Master’s Wanderings

James Durie, the elder son, depicted as wild, popular, and duplicitous; he joins the Jacobite rebellion and is presumed dead at Culloden.

The Master's Wanderings

Meets Burke after Culloden, proposes a coin-toss pact, and later becomes a leader among pirates through natural genius and discipline.

IV: Persecutions Endured by Mr. Henry

Exposed as a government spy but recovers; begins a calculated siege of Mrs. Henry after a confrontation with Mr. Henry.

Account of All That Passed on the Night of February 27th, 1757

Wounded in the duel, found by free-traders and taken aboard a lugger; his portmanteaus reveal he was preparing to leave, and his correspondence is discovered by Mackellar.

VI: Summary of Events During the Master’s Second Absence

Absent but a constant threat; his potential return hangs over the household; mentioned in Mr. Henry's delirium as 'Jamie' in childhood danger.

VII: Adventure of Chevalier Burke in India

Found in India, disguised in native muslin, he cruelly denies knowing Chevalier Burke and refuses him aid, speaking only through an interpreter.

VIII: The Enemy in the House

Returns to Durrisdeer with Secundra Dass, appearing worn but defiant; engages in a tense exchange with his brother.

Mr. Mackellar's Journey with the Master

Sings 'Wandering Willie' with melancholy, attempts to justify his wickedness to Mackellar, and tells a tale of a count's vengeance during the voyage.

X: Passages at New York

Arrives in New York and is publicly humiliated by his brother, but accepts the allowance and stays, plotting revenge with Secundra Dass.

XI: The Journey in the Wilderness

Trapped in the wilderness with Harris and his men; aware of the conspiracy, he attempts escape twice but is recaptured, maintaining a cheerful demeanor.

Narrative of the Trader, Mountain

The Master is the designated victim of the conspiracy, yet he maintains a gallant and cheerful demeanor, using wit and bravado to delay his fate. He feigns illness and agrees to reveal the treasure, demonstrating his resourcefulness under extreme pressure.

XII: The Journey in the Wilderness (Continued)

Reported dead and buried; his body is exhumed by Secundra Dass and briefly appears to show signs of life, causing Lord Durrisdeer's fatal shock.

Endnotes

Referenced in connection with his ability to make admirers, such as the second Teach.