# Donkin — The Nigger of the Narcissus character guide

> Donkin in The Nigger of the Narcissus by Joseph Conrad.

**Role:** major

**Also known as:** And Donkin, the fascinating Donkin

**First appearance:** 0004-i

## Who they are

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

## Relationships

### [James Wait](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_nigger_of_the_narcissus_se/characters/james_wait)

_psychological_

Donkin manipulates and exploits Wait's illness to stir up mutiny and gain power among the crew.

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

_rivalry_

Belfast despises Donkin for his cruelty toward Wait and his disruptive influence on the crew.

### [Captain Allistoun](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_nigger_of_the_narcissus_se/characters/captain_allistoun)

_rivalry_

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

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

_rivalry_

Donkin resents Singleton's authority and moral superiority, while Singleton dismisses Donkin as worthless.

### [Knowles](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_nigger_of_the_narcissus_se/characters/knowles)

_social_

Donkin uses Knowles as a gullible ally to spread discontent and gossip among the crew.

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

_rivalry_

Donkin openly defies Mr. Baker's authority, and Baker responds with contempt and discipline.

### [James Wait](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_nigger_of_the_narcissus_se/characters/james_wait)

_psychological_

Donkin manipulates and exploits Wait's illness to stir up mutiny and gain power among the crew.

### [James Wait](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_nigger_of_the_narcissus_se/characters/james_wait)

_psychological_

Donkin manipulates and exploits Wait's illness to stir up mutiny and gain power among the crew.

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

_rivalry_

Belfast despises Donkin for his cruelty toward Wait and his disruptive influence on the crew.

### [Captain Allistoun](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_nigger_of_the_narcissus_se/characters/captain_allistoun)

_rivalry_

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

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

_rivalry_

Donkin resents Singleton's authority and moral superiority, while Singleton dismisses Donkin as worthless.

### [Captain Allistoun](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_nigger_of_the_narcissus_se/characters/captain_allistoun)

_rivalry_

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

## In the story

### [The Nigger of the Narcissus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_nigger_of_the_narcissus_se/chapters/the-nigger-of-the-narcissus)

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

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

Observed smiling bitterly over Wait's head during the confrontation; previously had sea boots thrown at him by Wait.

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

Skulks miserably, grumbling about James Wait's comfort and spreading discontent.

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

Glides behind backs during the crew's confrontation, then spreads dissent among the men, exploiting their grievances with passionate, filthy loquacity.

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

Donkin is mentioned in the boatswain's recollection as part of the trouble surrounding Jimmy.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_nigger_of_the_narcissus_se/characters/donkin
- 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