Jack

Ernest

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

Mother

Jack is a lively and sometimes mischievous son who loves his mother dearly but often tests her patience.

Fritz

Fritz and Jack are brothers with a competitive but caring relationship, often engaging in playful rivalry.

Turk

Jack has a playful and affectionate bond with Turk, often involving the dog in his adventures.

Ponto

Jack treats Ponto as a loyal playmate and helper during his explorations.

The Swiss Family Robinson

The energetic and sometimes impulsive son, eager to help with tasks.

Shipwreck and Preparations for Deliverance

The third son; discovers the two dogs in the captain's cabin, mounts the larger dog, and presents himself to his father.

A Landing, and Consequent Occupations

A lighthearted, audacious ten-year-old. He is attacked by a lobster while gathering mussels, is rescued by his father, and later kills the lobster in anger. His father scolds him for his boastfulness and lack of mercy.

Voyage of Discovery

Contributes his lobster claw for the journey and shows cleverness in hiding it from the dogs.

Return from the Voyage of Discovery

Exclaims joyfully at the monkey and helps unload burdens.

Return to the Wreck

Appears first from the tent with the monkey on his shoulders, shows curiosity about the jackall.

Chapter VI

Amuses himself with the animals, rides the ass, and shows off his handmade belt and dog collars.

The Mother's Journey of Discovery

Prepares spiked collars from jackal skin, carries extra loads, and nearly causes an accident with wet pistols.

Construction of a Bridge

Describes discovering lobsters with Francis and is praised for choosing the bridge site.

Change of Abode

Kills the porcupine with a pistol, showing bravery and skill; later helps with skins.

Building the Ladder and Settling in the Giant Tree

Participates in carrying bamboo and is involved in the evening activities, though not prominently featured.

Settling in the Giant Tree

Accompanies his mother to the seashore to collect wood and helps with the day's tasks.

The Parable of the Great King

Addressed in the parable's application as one who might let his land lie fallow or sow tares instead of wheat; first to break the silence after the parable.

The Discovery of Potatoes

Eagerly digs up potatoes with the monkey, though initially envious of Ernest's discovery.

XIV

Injures himself on a cactus, applies karata leaf for healing, and attempts to define impossibility in the logic discussion.

The Sledge and a Lesson in Natural Philosophy

Succeeds in his first snare attempt and climbs the tree to set snares.

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

Mentioned as part of the family group left in charge with Mother; not directly active in this chapter.

Chapter XVII

Accompanies Ernest to surprise Father, is sent back with a message for Mother, and is promised a watch later.

Chapter XVIII

Proposes a boat from the shell, discovers a clay bed, and brings clay balls home.

Another Trip to the Wreck

Hovers around and is allowed to join the trip; finds a wheelbarrow and is eager; leaps into the water upon nearing shore.

The Bakehouse

Initially throws away his grater in fear of poison, but later wants to eat the cake; participates in grating.

The Pinnace and the Cracker

Participates in the salvage efforts, helping to load stores and work on the pinnace.

The Gourd Harvest and the Guava Discovery

Catches a large crab and a lizard, eagerly asks to cook the crab, and humorously compares the lizard to his mother.

Excursion into Unknown Countries

One of the younger brothers left at home; reacts with ecstasy to the live parrot.

Chapter XXIV

Wonders what the young birds think when they first see humans.

XXV

Eagerly joins the party, gathers guavas, and climbs trees for coconuts.

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

Accompanies his father as the agile escort, shows kindness and inventiveness by suggesting candlesticks from reeds for his mother, and rescues a young jackal to tame.

The Malabar Eagle and the Sago Manufactory

Discovers the sow and her piglets in the thicket.

XXVIII

Makes witty remarks about tree cultivation, asks about homogeneous fruits, and shows curiosity about cherries.

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

Attempts to train his jackal Hunter to retrieve game, though the animal eats the game before returning.

Building Shelter and Taming Lightfoot

Mentioned as too giddy to ride the onagra alone but occasionally rides behind Fritz.

The Rainy Season and Resolve for a New Dwelling

Expresses enthusiasm for adventure and savages during the discussion of Robinson Crusoe; draws plants and animals from memory.

Spring, Spinning, and the Salt Mine

Works on cutting away the rock inside the excavation, rides the buffalo to fetch the family, and leads the procession back with enthusiasm.

House in the Salt-Rock; Herring Fishery

Excitedly claims to see fins and claws of a monster, and is teased by his father.

XXXIV

Manages to preserve two quails after the jackal attack.

The Discovery of the Lake and the Building of Arcadia

Accompanies Fritz on the supply mission and helps quicken the old ass's pace with a whip.

XXXVI

Helps with boat construction and fortifications; plays a flageolet and has a natural inclination for music.

List of Illustrations

One of the sons included in the family settlement.