The Nigger of the Narcissus · Character
Knowles
A lame sailor who gossips and comments on shipboard events.
minor
Also known as Lame Knowles, dirty Knowles, lame Knowles, Pacific Knowles
First appearance: i
Knowles's tie to Donkin is one of the pressures that moves The Nigger of the Narcissus—worth meeting in the text, not only on a cast list.
Lurches heavily on his short leg among the men pressing forward during the captain's address.
Knowles first appears in 0004 i.
With Donkin (social): Donkin uses Knowles as a gullible ally to spread discontent and gossip among the crew. With Donkin (social): Donkin uses Knowles as a gullible ally to spread discontent and gossip among the crew.
In IV: Lurches heavily on his short leg among the men pressing forward during the captain's address.
Free preview opens at this moment — character cards, Character Web, and themes sit beside the text as you read.
Character Web
11 connectionsA slice of how Knowles sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.
Relationship types
- Social
- Other
Character groups
- Narcissus crew members
- Protagonist
+6 more in the full Character Web
Open in readerNarrative 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.
Follow the arc while readingRelationships
- Donkin
social · negative
Donkin uses Knowles as a gullible ally to spread discontent and gossip among the crew. How this plays out →
- Donkin
social · negative
Donkin uses Knowles as a gullible ally to spread discontent and gossip among the crew. How this plays out →
Relationship notes
How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.
See Knowles in iIn the story
Knowles appears across 1 companion beat. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.
Chapter companion notes
Spoil-light check-ins for Knowles unlock in the free preview.
See Knowles in i