Sir Oliver Tressilian

Master Lionel Tressilian

Lionel is Oliver's younger brother, bound by blood but strained by jealousy and betrayal.

Sir John Killigrew

Sir John is Oliver's bitter enemy, having betrayed him and stolen his inheritance and reputation.

Jasper Leigh

Jasper Leigh is a sea captain who serves Oliver, first as a hired sailor and later as a loyal follower.

Nick

Nick is a loyal servant and friend to Oliver, standing by him through his trials and transformation.

The Skipper

The Skipper is a shipmaster who works under Oliver's command, respecting his authority and seamanship.

Sakr-el-Bahr

Sakr-el-Bahr is the alter ego of Sir Oliver Tressilian, representing his darker, vengeful side after his betrayal and enslavement.

Tsamanni

Tsamanni is a trusted corsair and friend to Oliver (as Sakr-el-Bahr), fighting alongside him in battles.

Master Lionel Tressilian

Lionel is Oliver's younger brother, bound by blood but strained by jealousy and betrayal.

Master Lionel Tressilian

Lionel is Oliver's younger brother, bound by blood but strained by jealousy and betrayal.

Sir John Killigrew

Sir John is Oliver's bitter enemy, having betrayed him and stolen his inheritance and reputation.

Sir John Killigrew

Sir John is Oliver's bitter enemy, having betrayed him and stolen his inheritance and reputation.

Jasper Leigh

Jasper Leigh is a sea captain who serves Oliver, first as a hired sailor and later as a loyal follower.

The Sea Hawk

The protagonist, a wronged Cornish gentleman who becomes the corsair Sakr-el-Bahr.

Part I: Sir Oliver Tressilian

The central figure of the chapter, introduced as a gentleman of Cornwall.

The Huckster

The protagonist, a wealthy knight and former privateer, is enjoying his estate and his courtship of Rosamund Godolphin when he is confronted by her brother Peter.

II: Rosamund

Resolves to confront Sir John Killigrew for slander; later meets Rosamund and explains his actions, swearing to his honor.

III: The Forge

Brings Rosamund the truth of the day's events; waits patiently for their marriage; rides to Helston and stops at the forge where he meets Peter Godolphin.

IV: The Intervener

Returns home after cooling his anger, tends to Lionel's wound, and helps conceal the duel.

The Buckler

Rushes to Godolphin Court to protest his innocence after being accused of murdering Peter Godolphin. He is rejected by Rosamund and resolves to protect Lionel by remaining silent.

VI: Jasper Leigh

Moody and brooding, Oliver bears the burden of his brother's guilt and longs for Rosamund, unaware of Lionel's conspiracy.

VII: Trepanned

Sir Oliver is lured by a false message from Rosamund and ambushed, bound, and taken away by boat.

VIII: The Spaniard

Discovers his brother Lionel's betrayal and negotiates with Captain Leigh for his return to England.

Part II: Sakr-El-Bahr

Transforms into the corsair Sakr-el-Bahr after surviving shipwreck and enslavement.

II: The Renegade

The protagonist, a Cornish gentleman who becomes the corsair Sakr-el-Bahr after being trepanned, captured by the Spanish, and enslaved by Muslims.

IV: The Raid

Leads the raid on Arwenack as Sakr-el-Bahr, captures his brother Lionel and Sir John, and takes Rosamund by force.

XII: The Subtlety of Fenzileh

Reveals the truth to Rosamund and struggles with the bitterness of his vengeance.

XXI: Moriturus

Sleeps guarding Rosamund, reconciles with her, but insists his death is inevitable and urges her to clear his name.

XXIII: The Heathen Creed

Imprisoned and awaiting execution, he shows stoicism and compassion, promising to plead for Jasper Leigh's life despite his own doom.

The Judges

The prisoner awaiting judgment, referred to as the renegade corsair.

The Advocate

The prisoner, who remains largely silent but is moved by Rosamund's defense.

XXVI: The Judgement

Forgives his dying brother Lionel, breaks his bonds, and is cleared of all charges.