The Nigger of the Narcissus · Character

Donkin

A whining, work-shy Cockney who trades on other men's grievances, forever cadging tobacco and whispering mutiny into the forecastle's discontent.

major

Also known as And Donkin, the fascinating Donkin

First appearance: i

As a major figure in The Nigger of the Narcissus, Donkin is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

A discontented and manipulative sailor who begins to spread dissent among the crew, challenging authority.

In the storyThe Nigger of the NarcissusOpen this moment free

Donkin first appears in 0004 i.

With James Wait (psychological): Donkin manipulates and exploits Wait's illness to stir up mutiny and gain power among the crew. With Belfast (rivalry): Belfast despises Donkin for his cruelty toward Wait and his disruptive influence on the crew. With Captain Allistoun (rivalry): Captain Allistoun firmly opposes Donkin's insubordination and attempts to undermine authority.

See Donkin in The Nigger of the Narcissus Book page

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Character Web

13 connections

A slice of how Donkin sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Psychological
Rivalry
Social

Character groups

Protagonist
Narcissus crew members

+8 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point

This passage marks the dramatic climax because it crystallizes the crew’s collective psychological surrender t…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

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Relationships

James Wait
psychological · negative
Donkin manipulates and exploits Wait's illness to stir up mutiny and gain power among the… How this plays out →
Belfast
rivalry · negative
Captain Allistoun
rivalry · negative
Old Singleton
rivalry · negative
Knowles
social · negative
Mr. Baker
rivalry · negative
James Wait
psychological · negative
Donkin manipulates and exploits Wait's illness to stir up mutiny and gain power among the… How this plays out →
James Wait
psychological · negative
Donkin manipulates and exploits Wait's illness to stir up mutiny and gain power among the… How this plays out →
Belfast
rivalry · negative
Captain Allistoun
rivalry · negative
Old Singleton
rivalry · negative
Captain Allistoun
rivalry · negative

James Wait
Donkin manipulates and exploits Wait's illness to stir up mutiny and gain power among the crew.
Belfast
Belfast despises Donkin for his cruelty toward Wait and his disruptive influence on the crew.
Captain Allistoun
Captain Allistoun firmly opposes Donkin's insubordination and attempts to undermine authority.
Old Singleton
Donkin resents Singleton's authority and moral superiority, while Singleton dismisses Donkin as worthless.
Knowles
Donkin uses Knowles as a gullible ally to spread discontent and gossip among the crew.
Mr. Baker
Donkin openly defies Mr. Baker's authority, and Baker responds with contempt and discipline.
James Wait
Donkin manipulates and exploits Wait's illness to stir up mutiny and gain power among the crew.
James Wait
Donkin manipulates and exploits Wait's illness to stir up mutiny and gain power among the crew.
Belfast
Belfast despises Donkin for his cruelty toward Wait and his disruptive influence on the crew.
Captain Allistoun
Captain Allistoun firmly opposes Donkin's insubordination and attempts to undermine authority.
Old Singleton
Donkin resents Singleton's authority and moral superiority, while Singleton dismisses Donkin as worthless.
Captain Allistoun
Captain Allistoun firmly opposes Donkin's insubordination and attempts to undermine authority.

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See Donkin in i

In the story

Donkin appears across 5 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

The Nigger of the Narcissus
A discontented and manipulative sailor who begins to spread dissent among the crew, challenging authority.
II
Observed smiling bitterly over Wait's head during the confrontation; previously had sea boots thrown at him by Wait.
III
Skulks miserably, grumbling about James Wait's comfort and spreading discontent.
IV
Glides behind backs during the crew's confrontation, then spreads dissent among the men, exploiting their grievances with passionate, filthy loquacity.
V
Donkin is mentioned in the boatswain's recollection as part of the trouble surrounding Jimmy.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Donkin unlock in the free preview.

See Donkin in i

See Donkin in The Nigger of the Narcissus