Character guide

Korak

major

Also known as XI Korak, Korak a Tarmangani, Tarmangani, Silently Korak

Korak is the son of Tarzan, a young man torn between his English heritage and his savage jungle upbringing. He is fiercely independent and quick to anger, driven by a desire for vengeance and acceptance among the great apes. His struggle to find his place in both worlds makes him a compelling protagonist as he navigates the dangers of the wild and his own identity.

Meriem

major

Also known as Little Meriem, Miss Meriem, XIII Meriem, XVII Meriem

Meriem is a young woman who has grown up in the jungle, possessing a unique blend of innocence and survival skills. Her abduction sets off a chain of events that draws Korak into a quest to rescue her, highlighting her role as a catalyst for the plot. Her relationship with Korak deepens as they navigate the perils of the wild, making her a central figure in the story's emotional core.

Morison Baynes

supporting

Also known as Hon. Morison Baynes, Baynes, Morison, Mr. Baynes

Morison Baynes is an Englishman who finds himself in the African jungle, initially seeking to rescue Meriem. His sense of honor and duty compels him to pursue her, even when wounded and facing danger. His presence introduces a romantic rivalry with Korak, adding tension and complexity to the narrative as he struggles with his feelings and obligations.

Mr. Hanson

supporting

Also known as Hanson

Mr. Hanson is a trader whose past encounters with Tarzan have fueled a desire for revenge. He becomes entangled in the abduction of Meriem, using her as a pawn in his schemes. His criminal nature and willingness to manipulate others make him a persistent threat, complicating the protagonists' journey and highlighting the dangers of the jungle.

Malbihn

supporting

Also known as The Swede, Sven Malbihn, Sven, Swede

Malbihn is a Swedish trader whose cowardice and greed lead him to abduct Meriem for ransom. He is easily intimidated and quick to betray others, as seen when he shifts blame to Baynes under Korak's interrogation. His actions set off a chain of events that force Korak to rescue Meriem, establishing him as a recurring antagonist.

Akut

supporting

Also known as VII Akut, phlegmatic Akut, old Akut

Akut is a great ape who shares a deep bond with Tarzan and later his son, Korak. He is loyal and protective, often serving as a guide and ally in the jungle. His presence symbolizes the connection between the human and animal worlds, and his actions help shape Korak's identity and path.

Sheik Amor ben Khatour

supporting

Also known as The Sheik, Amor ben Khatour, the old Sheik

He belongs to the hostile world beyond the jungle's edge, a man whose authority over his people and his captives is absolute. His possession of Meriem creates the central tension of her young life, forcing her to rely on wit and courage against a master who sees her as property. His decisions ripple outward, shaping the dangers that draw Korak deeper into the wilderness.

Bwana

supporting

Also known as the big Bwana, The Big Bwana, Instantly Bwana

In the scattered settlements and hunting camps, Bwana is less a man than a force — the English lord whose justice is swift and whose reach extends even to the coast. He turns back cruel sportsmen, protects the villages, and commands a loyalty no colonial officer could buy. His presence establishes the moral order of the jungle world that his son will soon inherit and test.

Alexis Paulvitch

supporting

Also known as Paulvitch, the Paulvitch

Once a fastidious scoundrel, Paulvitch now lives in squalor with the ape Akut, his last asset and his last grievance. Brooding over imagined wrongs, he blames Tarzan for every failure and begins to cultivate the boy's jungle longing as a weapon. His quiet encouragement of Jack's visits turns a child's fascination into the hinge on which the whole story swings.

Tantor

minor

Also known as Old Tantor, the maddening Tantor

The elephant, a powerful ally and presence in the jungle.

Numa

minor

Also known as the hidden Numa, Poor old Numa

The lion, a constant threat and symbol of the wild.

Condon

minor

A sailor or crew member involved in the early voyage.

Carl Jenssen

minor

Also known as Jenssen, Carl

A sailor and accomplice of the villains.

Abdul Kamak

minor

Also known as Abdul

An Arab servant or henchman of the Sheik.

Kovudoo

minor

Also known as old Kovudoo

A native chief or warrior encountered in the jungle.

Jack Clayton

minor

Also known as Jack, John Clayton

Tarzan's human name, used occasionally in the narrative.

Tarzan

supporting

Also known as Tarzan of the Apes, Lord Greystoke, John Clayton

Tarzan moves between two worlds — the civilized estate where he raises Jack and the wild Africa where his authority is absolute. He tries to buy Akut's freedom and shield his son from the call of the jungle, but his own restless past makes him a reluctant gatekeeper. His struggle to protect Jack from his inheritance is the quiet engine driving the boy toward the very danger he fears.

Ajax

minor

Also known as the reluctant Ajax

A horse or mule used in the African travels.

Geeka

minor

Also known as Little Geeka, little Geeka

A small monkey or ape companion to Meriem.

Lady Greystoke

minor

Also known as Jane

Tarzan's wife and mother of Korak, appears briefly.

Killer

minor

Also known as The Killer

A fierce animal or nickname for a predator.

Sheeta

minor

The leopard, a dangerous jungle predator.

Mabunu

minor

A native character in the African setting.

Mr. Harold Moore

minor

Also known as II Mr. Harold Moore, Mr. Moore, the excited Mr. Moore

An Englishman who assists in the search for Meriem.

Captain Armand Jacot

minor

Also known as V Captain Armand Jacot, Captain Jacot, Jacot, General Jacot

A French officer who aids in the search for Meriem.

Herr Skopf

minor

A German character encountered in the story.

Ali ben Kadin

minor

Also known as Ali ben, Kadin, the hideous Ali

An Arab villain who threatens the protagonists.

Achmet ben Houdin

minor

An Arab character involved in the plot.

El Adrea

minor

A lion or beast referenced in the jungle.

Marjorie W.

minor

Also known as the Marjorie W., W.

A ship name or character associated with the voyage.

Nicholas Rokoff

minor

Also known as the archfiend Rokoff, Rokoff

A Russian arch-villain, mentioned as a past threat.

Jeanne Jacot

minor

Also known as little Jeanne Jacot, Jeanne

Daughter of Captain Jacot, a minor character.

Simpson

minor

A minor crew member or servant.

Michael Sabrov

minor

Also known as Sabrov

A Russian associate of Paulvitch.

Manu

minor

Also known as little Manu

A monkey character in the jungle.

Sabor

minor

The lioness, a recurring jungle predator.

Histah

minor

The snake, a danger in the jungle.