# Captain Allistoun — The Nigger of the Narcissus character guide

> Captain Allistoun in The Nigger of the Narcissus by Joseph Conrad.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Poor Captain Allistoun

**First appearance:** 0004-i

## Who they are

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.

## Relationships

### [Donkin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_nigger_of_the_narcissus_se/characters/donkin)

_rivalry_

Captain Allistoun firmly opposes Donkin's insubordination and attempts to undermine authority.

### [Mr. Baker](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_nigger_of_the_narcissus_se/characters/mr_baker)

_professional_

Captain Allistoun and Mr. Baker maintain a formal, efficient working relationship as captain and chief mate.

### [Old Singleton](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_nigger_of_the_narcissus_se/characters/old_singleton)

_professional_

Captain Allistoun holds Singleton in high regard as the embodiment of the old sailor's discipline and skill.

### [Mr. Creighton](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_nigger_of_the_narcissus_se/characters/mr_creighton)

_professional_

Captain Allistoun and Mr. Creighton share a respectful, hierarchical relationship as captain and second mate.

### [Belfast](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_nigger_of_the_narcissus_se/characters/belfast)

_professional_

Belfast respects Captain Allistoun's authority but clashes with him emotionally over the treatment of Wait.

### [Donkin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_nigger_of_the_narcissus_se/characters/donkin)

_rivalry_

Captain Allistoun firmly opposes Donkin's insubordination and attempts to undermine authority.

### [Mr. Baker](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_nigger_of_the_narcissus_se/characters/mr_baker)

_professional_

Captain Allistoun and Mr. Baker maintain a formal, efficient working relationship as captain and chief mate.

### [Donkin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_nigger_of_the_narcissus_se/characters/donkin)

_rivalry_

Captain Allistoun firmly opposes Donkin's insubordination and attempts to undermine authority.

### [Mr. Baker](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_nigger_of_the_narcissus_se/characters/mr_baker)

_professional_

Captain Allistoun and Mr. Baker maintain a formal, efficient working relationship as captain and chief mate.

### [Belfast](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_nigger_of_the_narcissus_se/characters/belfast)

_professional_

Belfast respects Captain Allistoun's authority but clashes with him emotionally over the treatment of Wait.

## In the story

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

Described as a stern, experienced commander who loves his ship and drives her hard; rarely leaves the poop deck.

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

Unblinking, faces the rising sun and gives the order to wear ship; drives the ship hard to hold her own.

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

After the storm, he drives the crew relentlessly, then confronts them on the quarterdeck with a belaying pin, asserting his authority and threatening to imprison James Wait.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_nigger_of_the_narcissus_se/characters/captain_allistoun
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_nigger_of_the_narcissus_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_nigger_of_the_narcissus_se/characters