# Ernest — The Swiss Family Robinson character guide > Ernest in The Swiss Family Robinson by Johann David Wyss. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Mr. Ernest, learned Mr. Ernest, Professor Ernest, Master Ernest, master Ernest, the inert Ernest **First appearance:** 0002-the-swiss-family-robinson ## Who they are The bookish second son, whose mind reaches for explanation even as the sea pours in, forever balancing learning against the labor survival demands. ## Relationships ### [Jack](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_swiss_family_robinson_se/characters/jack) _family_ Ernest and Jack are brothers who often bicker and compete but ultimately cooperate in their island adventures. ### [Mother](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_swiss_family_robinson_se/characters/mother) _family_ Ernest shares a gentle and affectionate relationship with his mother, often helping her with domestic tasks and intellectual pursuits. ### [Fritz](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_swiss_family_robinson_se/characters/fritz) _family_ Ernest and Fritz are brothers who respect each other's strengths but have differing temperaments, leading to occasional friction. ### [Ponto](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_swiss_family_robinson_se/characters/ponto) _friendship_ Ernest has a calm and steady relationship with Ponto, often using the dog for practical tasks. ### [The Falcon](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_swiss_family_robinson_se/characters/the_falcon) _friendship_ Ernest is fascinated by the falcon and helps care for it, sharing his father's interest in training the bird. ### [Turk](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_swiss_family_robinson_se/characters/turk) _friendship_ Ernest has a practical, task-oriented relationship with Turk, using the dog for gathering and protection. ## In the story ### [The Swiss Family Robinson](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_swiss_family_robinson_se/chapters/the-swiss-family-robinson) The thoughtful and observant son, often providing scientific or practical insights. ### [Shipwreck and Preparations for Deliverance](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_swiss_family_robinson_se/chapters/part-i-i) 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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_swiss_family_robinson_se/chapters/part-i-ii) 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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_swiss_family_robinson_se/chapters/part-i-iii) Reluctantly rises early; mentioned as having envied Fritz's imagined coconuts. ### [Return from the Voyage of Discovery](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_swiss_family_robinson_se/chapters/part-i-iv) Receives coconuts but complains of fatigue; later eager to reclaim them when he learns their value. ### [Return to the Wreck](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_swiss_family_robinson_se/chapters/part-i-v) Mistakenly identifies the jackall as a golden fox, displaying his learned but sometimes inaccurate nature. ### [Chapter VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_swiss_family_robinson_se/chapters/part-i-vi) Admires the boat's mast, sail, and flag, and asks Fritz for explanations. ### [The Mother's Journey of Discovery](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_swiss_family_robinson_se/chapters/part-i-vii) 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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_swiss_family_robinson_se/chapters/part-i-viii) Suggests using packthread to measure the river's width for the bridge. ### [Change of Abode](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_swiss_family_robinson_se/chapters/part-i-ix) Draws back timidly when the dogs bark at the porcupine. ### [Building the Ladder and Settling in the Giant Tree](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_swiss_family_robinson_se/chapters/part-i-x) Discovers bamboo canes in a bog, helps carry them, and prepares the porcupine for supper on a spit. ### [Settling in the Giant Tree](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_swiss_family_robinson_se/chapters/part-i-xi) Advises stewing the old flamingo to improve its taste, earning the nickname 'the cook' from his brothers. ### [The Parable of the Great King](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_swiss_family_robinson_se/chapters/part-i-xii) 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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_swiss_family_robinson_se/chapters/part-i-xiii) Discovers the potato plants and explains their botany to the family. ### [XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_swiss_family_robinson_se/chapters/part-i-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_swiss_family_robinson_se/chapters/part-i-xv) 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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_swiss_family_robinson_se/chapters/part-i-xvi) 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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_swiss_family_robinson_se/chapters/part-ii-xvii) Surprises Father with Jack, suggests the raft design using water casks, and receives a silver watch from Fritz. ### [Chapter XVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_swiss_family_robinson_se/chapters/part-ii-xviii) Discovers the manioc roots by observing the sow, and later suggests soaking roots in the water-tub. ### [Another Trip to the Wreck](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_swiss_family_robinson_se/chapters/part-ii-xix) Last to wake, expresses a love for falling back asleep; is admonished by his father for slothfulness. ### [The Bakehouse](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_swiss_family_robinson_se/chapters/part-ii-xx) Brings the manioc roots and is asked to help with the bag; participates in the grating activity. ### [The Pinnace and the Cracker](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_swiss_family_robinson_se/chapters/part-ii-xxi) Joins the voyage for the first time, showing eagerness and curiosity about the pinnace. ### [The Gourd Harvest and the Guava Discovery](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_swiss_family_robinson_se/chapters/part-ii-xxii) Discovers a plant that provides fresh water, showing his keen interest in natural history and practical knowledge. ### [Excursion into Unknown Countries](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_swiss_family_robinson_se/chapters/part-ii-xxiii) Mentioned as one of the three brothers left with mother; not directly active in this chapter. ### [Chapter XXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_swiss_family_robinson_se/chapters/part-ii-xxiv) Shares Fritz's anticipation of luxurious Sunday dinners from the new ducklings and goslings. ### [XXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_swiss_family_robinson_se/chapters/part-ii-xxv) Climbs a cabbage palm tree, collects palm-wine, and demonstrates thoughtful resourcefulness. ### [A New Country Discovered — The Troop of Buffalos; A Precious Acquisition](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_swiss_family_robinson_se/chapters/part-ii-xxvi) Mentioned as one of the elder boys left behind; not directly active in this chapter. ### [The Malabar Eagle and the Sago Manufactory](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_swiss_family_robinson_se/chapters/part-ii-xxvii) Climbs the palm tree, suggests using tobacco smoke to tame the eagle, and offers to train the bird. ### [XXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_swiss_family_robinson_se/chapters/part-ii-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.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_swiss_family_robinson_se/chapters/part-ii-xxix) Trains the monkey Knips to carry loads and climb coconut trees, showing uncharacteristic energy. ### [Building Shelter and Taming Lightfoot](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_swiss_family_robinson_se/chapters/part-ii-xxx) 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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_swiss_family_robinson_se/chapters/part-ii-xxxi) Entrusted with writing off the father's journal pages in a clear hand. ### [Spring, Spinning, and the Salt Mine](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_swiss_family_robinson_se/chapters/part-ii-xxxii) 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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_swiss_family_robinson_se/chapters/part-ii-xxxiii) Argues logically that the phenomenon is a sea monster, citing bookish knowledge about whales. ### [XXXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_swiss_family_robinson_se/chapters/part-ii-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_swiss_family_robinson_se/chapters/part-ii-xxxv) Collects strawberries for his mother, demonstrates skill in shooting birds, and remains calm and observant throughout the journey. ### [XXXVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_swiss_family_robinson_se/chapters/part-ii-xxxvi) Assists in various tasks, including the boat project and fortifications. ### [List of Illustrations](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_swiss_family_robinson_se/chapters/list-of-illustrations) One of the sons included in the family settlement. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_swiss_family_robinson_se/characters/ernest - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_swiss_family_robinson_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_swiss_family_robinson_se/characters