# Carter — The Rescue character guide

> Carter in The Rescue by Joseph Conrad.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Mr. Carter

**First appearance:** 0003-the-rescue

## Snapshot

A young, deliberate sailing master who held the brig together in Lingard's absence and longs for a word of praise.

## Who they are

Left behind on the Shore of Refuge, Carter took charge of two ships, kept them fit to sail or fight, and now reports to a captain he barely recognizes. He watches Lingard's ravaged face with an intuitive delicacy, hiding his shock and hoping for commendation. His loyalty and unromantic competence give the reader a grounded counterweight to Lingard's visionary obsession.

## Relationships

### [Captain Lingard](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_rescue_se/characters/captain_lingard)

_professional_

A loyal and trusted first mate, bound by duty and deep respect for Lingard's command.

### [Shaw](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_rescue_se/characters/shaw)

_rivalry_

A professional rivalry marked by Shaw's envy and Carter's competence.

### [Captain Lingard](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_rescue_se/characters/captain_lingard)

_professional_

A loyal and trusted first mate, bound by duty and deep respect for Lingard's command.

### [Captain Lingard](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_rescue_se/characters/captain_lingard)

_professional_

A loyal and trusted first mate, bound by duty and deep respect for Lingard's command.

### [Shaw](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_rescue_se/characters/shaw)

_rivalry_

A professional rivalry marked by Shaw's envy and Carter's competence.

### [Shaw](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_rescue_se/characters/shaw)

_rivalry_

A professional rivalry marked by Shaw's envy and Carter's competence.

## In the story

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

Officer from the stranded yacht, comes aboard the brig, displays a composed and humorous demeanor, agrees to return to his boat with a line.

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

In the yacht's gig, which is taken in tow by the brig. He comes aboard briefly and then returns to his boat.

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

Brings the yacht's gig to Lingard, guides him to the yacht, and notes the absence of 'cutthroats'.

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

Defends his actions to Mr. Travers, mentions Lingard's threats.

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

Reminded of Lingard's earlier moment of inner conflict, observing the captain's stillness.

### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_rescue_se/chapters/vii)

He informs Mrs. Travers of the kidnapping, showing indignation and suspicion.

### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_rescue_se/chapters/ix)

Comes to the brig with a pistol, suspicious of Lingard, but is persuaded by Mrs. Travers's trust and agrees to Lingard's plan.

### [Part IV: The Gift of the Shallows](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_rescue_se/chapters/part-iv-the-gift-of-the-shallows)

He is deeply concerned about the situation, particularly the safety of Mr. Travers and d'Alcacer. He is critical of Lingard's methods and the risks involved.

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

Reports on the crew's state and is questioned by Lingard about his ability to fight the brig.

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

Though not present, Carter's letter is the catalyst for the chapter's events. His actions, taken as a seaman concerned for the ships, have inadvertently broken the compact with Daman.

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

Exhausted from his efforts, falls asleep on the Hermit, unaware of the unfolding events.

### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_rescue_se/chapters/vi)

Matured by his responsibilities, he demonstrates loyalty and concern for Lingard, having managed the ships and dismissed Shaw.

### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_rescue_se/chapters/viii)

Loyal and sympathetic, he carries out Lingard's orders and tries to offer comfort, though he cannot fully understand the depth of Lingard's loss.

### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_rescue_se/chapters/ix)

On the brig, reports to Lingard and receives orders for departure.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_rescue_se/characters/carter
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_rescue_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_rescue_se/characters