The Rescue · Character

Daman

Sherif Daman, a fierce Illanun warrior chief, calls himself the white man's friend but not his slave, and plots with Tengga the moment Lingard's back is turned.

supporting

Also known as Sherif Daman

First appearance: part ii the shore of refuge

As a supporting figure in The Rescue, Daman is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Implied as part of the story's cast that Conrad revisits.

In the storyAuthor’s NoteOpen this moment free

See Daman in Author’s Note Book page

Free preview opens at this moment — character cards, Character Web, and themes sit beside the text as you read.

Daman moves among the Illanun chiefs with half-closed eyes and a sword always within reach, a man who believes there is blood between him and all mankind. He welcomes Hassim only to let Lingard know the prisoners are beyond reach, calculating that without his brig the great white man is disarmed. His clever move forces Lingard to confront how little trust he commands—and how much of his strength is the brig itself.

Continue beside the text

The fuller portrait of Daman sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.

See Daman in part ii the shore of refuge

Character Web

16 connections

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

Relationship types

Rivalry
Other

Character groups

Political power brokers
Crew and peripheral figures
Protagonist

+11 more in the full Character Web

Open in reader

Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Rising action.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

Lingard’s psychological peak occurs as he articulates his fatal illusion—his belief that he and the brig are o…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

Follow the arc while reading

Relationships

Captain Lingard
rivalry · negative
A dangerous and manipulative rivalry, with Daman scheming against Lingard's plans. How this plays out →
Captain Lingard
rivalry · negative
A dangerous and manipulative rivalry, with Daman scheming against Lingard's plans. How this plays out →

Relationship notes

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

See Daman in part ii the shore of refuge

In the story

Daman appears across 6 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Author’s Note
Implied as part of the story's cast that Conrad revisits.
Part III: The Capture
Leads the capture of the European hostages; reveals his alliance with Tengga.
IX
Arrives with Illanun praus, seeks arms from Jörgenson, and is ordered by Belarab to leave the lagoon.
I
His praus and camp are sighted by Lingard's boat, which reports fires and a watchman on the shore.
III
Mentioned as the captor of the white men, holding them in his camp.
II
Suspicious and wary, he has taken hostages to secure his own safety. He is impressed by Lingard's influence and accepts his assurances for the time being.

Chapter companion notes

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

See Daman in part ii the shore of refuge

See Daman in Author’s Note