II
The mate, who the narrator believes would take a more prominent role if circumstances required it.
IV
The mate, a man of about thirty with great muscular power, energy, and kindness; he assists and amuses young Letourneur.
V
The mate confides in the narrator about the unusual route and hints at unease with Captain Huntly's command.
VI
Mate; shares Kazallon's bewilderment at the captain's course but is cautious in his response, hinting at readiness to act if danger arises.
VII
The mate, who appears evasive when questioned about the night's disturbance and orders the tarpaulin to be watered.
VIII
Curtis remonstrates with Captain Huntly, orders repeated deck watering, and reveals the fire on board.
IX
Reveals the fire to Kazallon, explains the danger and the measures taken, and has secretly changed course.
October 20th and 21st
Assumes effective command; remains alert at the helm, tacks to maximize speed, and orders all apertures sealed to stifle the fire.
XI
The mate who coolly interrogates Ruby, restrains the crew from launching the longboat, and orders Ruby gagged and confined.
XII
Takes command after Captain Huntly's resignation; discusses the fire's hopelessness and the hidden picrate of potash with Falsten and Mr. Kazallon.
XIII
Curtis maintains command, advising Kazallon that admitting air would worsen the fire, ordering wet tarpaulin over partitions, salvaging provisions, and threatening mutineers with a cutlass to prevent launching boats in the hurricane.
XIV
Captain; tries to prevent the sailors from launching the yawl; remains resolute, stating he will not give up hope as long as a plank of the ship remains.
XV
Curtis takes charge after the ship runs aground, climbing along the side to listen for water entering the hold, and later consults with the lieutenant and boatswain about their next steps.
XVI
Takes decisive command, distributes food, takes solar observations, and plans to lighten the ship and refloat it.
XVII
Actively works to extinguish the fire by saturating the cotton bales and manages the crew and pumps.
XVIII
Visits the grotto but is preoccupied; enters the island on his chart as 'Ham Rock.'
XIX
Orders continuous pumping, oversees repairs and unlading, devises scheme to patch the leak with bales.
XX
Leads the inspection of the hold, assembles passengers and crew, proposes the plan to sail for Paramaribo, and commands the failed attempt to cross the ridge.
XXI
Leads the decision to blast the rock ridge and oversees the operation.
XXII
Remains calm and self-possessed, directing the crew and informing passengers of the danger.
XXIII
Leads the inspection and repair efforts, remains resolute, and quells a mutiny with a revolver.
XXIV
Suppresses the mutiny, keeps the crew working at the pumps, and resolves to abandon the ship after consultation. He retrieves a chart, sextant, and compass as the ship sinks.
XXV
Rescues André Letourneur, maintains calm command, prevents crew from dismantling masts prematurely, and organizes survivors.
XXVI
Insists on careful construction of the raft; appears preoccupied and anxious in the maintop, silently pressing the narrator's hand.
XXVII
Shouts orders in the storm, leads the crew in raft construction, and discovers the desertion of Kear and Huntly.
XXVIII
Remains resolute and energetic, overseeing the raft's completion and maintaining order.
XXIX
Ties a rope around his waist to attempt rescue of sailors, remains on the maintop as the last to leave the ship.
The Raft
Captain Curtis is mentioned as one of the ship's officers on the raft and as the one who saved the small quantity of provisions.
XXXI
Asserts his captaincy over the raft, delivers an emotional speech urging unity and obedience, consults the compass, takes the sun's altitude, and calls a consultation on rationing.
XXXII
Holds himself aloof, feeling the responsibility of saving lives; orders the aft reserved for passengers.
XXXIII
Notices secret meetings among sailors and firmly refuses Owen's demand for brandy, asserting his authority.
XXXIV
Points out the cloud-ring and predicts the storm will burst with fury in a couple of hours.
XXXV
Assists in lashing passengers to the raft and works to strengthen it during the storm.
XXXVI
Curtis saves the narrator from a second heavy wave and takes the first inventory of remaining provisions.
XXXVII
Captain; adds a few drops of brandy to the daily biscuit ration and provides extra water for Walter.
XXXVIII
Defends himself against mutineers, kills Wilson accidentally, and spares Owen after his remark.
XLII
Curtis is asked for water to help Owen, and he observes the distant ship sighting, ultimately shaking his head in disappointment.
XLIII
Spots a ship and whispers to Mr. Kazallon; later directs signaling efforts and orders a fire to be built.
XLIV
Curtis is consulted about the shark-catching attempt and remains silent when the boatswain asks about drawing lots.
XLV
Prevents the sailors from wringing out the sails, testing the water first and finding it briny.
XLVI
Expresses willingness to risk his life attacking sharks for food, but is dissuaded by the others.
XLVIII
Attempts to pacify the angry sailors; stands beside Mr. Kazallon with hands in pockets, possibly armed.
XLIX
Attempts to control Jynxstrop along with several men.
L
In the best condition among the survivors, bearing up under extreme hardships.
LI
Remains standing on the front of the raft, watching and hoping, working to strengthen the raft.
LII
Curtis remains steadfast at his post, refusing to abandon his duty despite the hopelessness, and tries to restrain Kazallon from suicide.
LV
Stands by the mast scanning the horizon, then rushes to save M. Letourneur from execution.
LVI
Throws a rope to the narrator and announces the discovery of fresh water, pointing to land to the west.
LVII
Curtis is the first to spot land and is celebrated as the captain who faithfully guided the survivors; he is listed last in the official rescue document as 'Robert Curtis, captain.'
