Ernest

Jack

Ernest and Jack are brothers who often bicker and compete but ultimately cooperate in their island adventures.

Mother

Ernest shares a gentle and affectionate relationship with his mother, often helping her with domestic tasks and intellectual pursuits.

Fritz

Ernest and Fritz are brothers who respect each other's strengths but have differing temperaments, leading to occasional friction.

Ponto

Ernest has a calm and steady relationship with Ponto, often using the dog for practical tasks.

The Falcon

Ernest is fascinated by the falcon and helps care for it, sharing his father's interest in training the bird.

Turk

Ernest has a practical, task-oriented relationship with Turk, using the dog for gathering and protection.

The Swiss Family Robinson

The thoughtful and observant son, often providing scientific or practical insights.

Shipwreck and Preparations for Deliverance

The second son; proposes building a raft; collects nails, hatchet, hammer, pincers, scissors, and an auger from the carpenter's cabin.

A Landing, and Consequent Occupations

A twelve-year-old of rational and reflective temper, somewhat indolent. He declines to accompany Fritz, preferring to go alone to the seashore.

Voyage of Discovery

Reluctantly rises early; mentioned as having envied Fritz's imagined coconuts.

Return from the Voyage of Discovery

Receives coconuts but complains of fatigue; later eager to reclaim them when he learns their value.

Return to the Wreck

Mistakenly identifies the jackall as a golden fox, displaying his learned but sometimes inaccurate nature.

Chapter VI

Admires the boat's mast, sail, and flag, and asks Fritz for explanations.

The Mother's Journey of Discovery

Sneers at Jack's dirty work, misses a shot at a bird due to lack of readiness, and correctly identifies the returning sail.

Construction of a Bridge

Suggests using packthread to measure the river's width for the bridge.

Change of Abode

Draws back timidly when the dogs bark at the porcupine.

Building the Ladder and Settling in the Giant Tree

Discovers bamboo canes in a bog, helps carry them, and prepares the porcupine for supper on a spit.

Settling in the Giant Tree

Advises stewing the old flamingo to improve its taste, earning the nickname 'the cook' from his brothers.

The Parable of the Great King

Addressed in the parable's application as one who might focus on unfruitful knowledge and neglect the heart and useful things in society.

The Discovery of Potatoes

Discovers the potato plants and explains their botany to the family.

XIV

Devises a method to catch geese using cheese on a string, asks about the prickly candle plant, and participates in the logic lesson.

The Sledge and a Lesson in Natural Philosophy

Accompanies Father early in the morning, receives a lesson in natural philosophy, and later helps with the sledge.

A Bathing, a Fishing, the Jumping Hare, and a Masquerade

Falls asleep while on duty but later catches a large fish using a crab as bait; shows gratitude for Fritz's knife case and is praised for his modesty.

Chapter XVII

Surprises Father with Jack, suggests the raft design using water casks, and receives a silver watch from Fritz.

Chapter XVIII

Discovers the manioc roots by observing the sow, and later suggests soaking roots in the water-tub.

Another Trip to the Wreck

Last to wake, expresses a love for falling back asleep; is admonished by his father for slothfulness.

The Bakehouse

Brings the manioc roots and is asked to help with the bag; participates in the grating activity.

The Pinnace and the Cracker

Joins the voyage for the first time, showing eagerness and curiosity about the pinnace.

The Gourd Harvest and the Guava Discovery

Discovers a plant that provides fresh water, showing his keen interest in natural history and practical knowledge.

Excursion into Unknown Countries

Mentioned as one of the three brothers left with mother; not directly active in this chapter.

Chapter XXIV

Shares Fritz's anticipation of luxurious Sunday dinners from the new ducklings and goslings.

XXV

Climbs a cabbage palm tree, collects palm-wine, and demonstrates thoughtful resourcefulness.

A New Country Discovered — The Troop of Buffalos; A Precious Acquisition

Mentioned as one of the elder boys left behind; not directly active in this chapter.

The Malabar Eagle and the Sago Manufactory

Climbs the palm tree, suggests using tobacco smoke to tame the eagle, and offers to train the bird.

XXVIII

Puzzles over the origin of the first grafts and shows thoughtful inquiry into the history of fruit trees.

Victory over the Bees; Winding Staircase; Training of Various Animals; Divers Manufactures; Fountain, etc.

Trains the monkey Knips to carry loads and climb coconut trees, showing uncharacteristic energy.

Building Shelter and Taming Lightfoot

Discovers the heath-fowl's nest and eggs, carries sword-grass leaves for his younger brother, and shows thoughtfulness for the absent.

The Rainy Season and Resolve for a New Dwelling

Entrusted with writing off the father's journal pages in a clear hand.

Spring, Spinning, and the Salt Mine

Assists with spinning and reeling, described as cool-tempered and quiet, and later drives the cow and ass in the car.

House in the Salt-Rock; Herring Fishery

Argues logically that the phenomenon is a sea monster, citing bookish knowledge about whales.

XXXIV

Not explicitly mentioned in excerpts, but included as a family member; no direct action noted.

The Discovery of the Lake and the Building of Arcadia

Collects strawberries for his mother, demonstrates skill in shooting birds, and remains calm and observant throughout the journey.

XXXVI

Assists in various tasks, including the boat project and fortifications.

List of Illustrations

One of the sons included in the family settlement.