# D'Alcacer — The Rescue character guide

> D'Alcacer in The Rescue by Joseph Conrad.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Mr. d'Alcacer, d'Alcacer

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

## Snapshot

A Spanish nobleman with a sleepless wit, he reads the drama on the Emma with detached courtesy and a gift for uncomfortable questions.

## Who they are

D'Alcacer endures the stranded nights with piquet, irony, and a refusal to be fooled by Mr. Travers' shammed sleep. He rows Mrs. Travers out to the sandbank before dawn and names the stakes plainly: 'There is room for a whole world of suffering on a sandbank.' His quiet perceptiveness makes him the story's most reliable witness to what the others will not admit.

## In the story

### [The Rescue](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_rescue_se/chapters/the-rescue)

Another passenger on the yacht, part of the group that Lingard comes to assist.

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

Seen on the yacht, watching the brig's approach.

### [Part III: The Capture](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_rescue_se/chapters/part-iii-the-capture)

Captured alongside Mr. Travers; remains composed under pressure.

### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_rescue_se/chapters/i)

D'Alcacer reflects on his own sorrow and his curiosity about Mrs. Travers, finding a measure of forgetfulness in her society.

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

Observes Lingard with interest, speaks occasionally to Mrs. Travers.

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

Observes the quarrel, expresses liking for Lingard, and contemplates mediating.

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

Observes the scene with alertness, advises Mrs. Travers to befriend Lingard, and shows diplomatic tact.

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

Attempts to mediate but is silenced by Mr. Travers. He shares a quiet moment with Mrs. Travers, offering observations about Lingard's uncommon nature and the ease of believing in evil.

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

He is also kidnapped from the sandbank.

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

Mentioned as a captive alongside Mr. Travers; Mrs. Travers pleads for his life as well.

### [Part V: The Point of Honour and the Point of Passion](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_rescue_se/chapters/part-v-the-point-of-honour-and-the-point-of-passion)

Also a hostage, his presence underscores the stakes of Lingard's rescue mission.

### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_rescue_se/chapters/i)

Mentioned as a good-natured Spaniard who joined the voyage and is now in danger, defended by Mrs. Travers.

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

Mentioned as an acute and sympathetic observer who may have sensed the situation, but is not directly involved in the chapter's events.

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

Warns Mrs. Travers about the dangers of dreams and the 'Man of Fate,' expressing concern about being sacrificed by the Moors.

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

Observes the interaction between Lingard and Mrs. Travers, admires her cleverness, and is concerned about the situation. He tries to avoid a conversation with Mr. Travers.

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

Observes the tensions, questions Lingard's decision, and accepts the necessity of the surrender.

### [Part VI: The Claim of Life and the Toll of Death](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_rescue_se/chapters/part-vi-the-claim-of-life-and-the-toll-of-death)

Mentioned as a captive alongside Mr. Travers, his situation is part of the ongoing crisis that drives the chapter's tension.

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

He engages in dialogue with Mrs. Travers, offering his perspective on Lingard's prestige and advising her on the ring, while remaining observant and cautious.

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

Anxious about the situation, he questions Lingard about the events and mentions Mrs. Travers's intention to go out with the prisoners.

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

On the yacht, greets Mrs. Travers on her return, and later lounges on deck, feeling lighthearted.

## Links

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