# The Nigger of the Narcissus — Character guide

> Key figures in The Nigger of the Narcissus by Joseph Conrad.

- [James Wait](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_nigger_of_the_narcissus_se/characters/james_wait.md): A black sailor who joins the Narcissus late and takes to his bunk, turning his failing body into a stage for the crew's pity, guilt, and dread.
- [Donkin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_nigger_of_the_narcissus_se/characters/donkin.md): A whining, work-shy Cockney who trades on other men's grievances, forever cadging tobacco and whispering mutiny into the forecastle's discontent.
- [Belfast](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_nigger_of_the_narcissus_se/characters/belfast.md): A hot-tempered, tenderhearted sailor whose fierce devotion to the dying Wait turns him gentle as a nurse and dangerous as a brawler.
- [Old Singleton](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_nigger_of_the_narcissus_se/characters/old_singleton.md): The Narcissus's ancient, unbreakable able seaman, who has outlasted crews and captains and keeps the old sea's silence like a creed.
- [Mr. Baker](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_nigger_of_the_narcissus_se/characters/mr_baker.md): The Narcissus's chief mate, gruff and watchful, who musters the crew and keeps every man's nose to the grindstone with bloodthirsty grumbling.
- [Captain Allistoun](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_nigger_of_the_narcissus_se/characters/captain_allistoun.md): The Narcissus's iron-grey captain, who loves his ship, drives her hard, and rules his small world from the poop with few words and cutting reproofs.
- [Young Charley](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_nigger_of_the_narcissus_se/characters/young_charley.md): A young, inexperienced sailor learning the ropes aboard the Narcissus.
- [Archie](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_nigger_of_the_narcissus_se/characters/archie.md): A calm, steady sailor who remains level-headed among the crew.
- [Mr. Creighton](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_nigger_of_the_narcissus_se/characters/mr_creighton.md): The second mate, a young officer assisting with navigation and discipline.
- [Knowles](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_nigger_of_the_narcissus_se/characters/knowles.md): A lame sailor who gossips and comments on shipboard events.
- [Wamibo](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_nigger_of_the_narcissus_se/characters/wamibo.md): A Finnish sailor known for his strange behavior and limited English.

HTML index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_nigger_of_the_narcissus_se/characters