# R. Matthews — The Voyage of the Beagle character guide

> R. Matthews in The Voyage of the Beagle by Charles Darwin.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Matthews

**First appearance:** 0013-x-tierra-del-fuego

## Snapshot

A missionary left among the Fuegians, he stakes his safety and faith on the hope that English teaching can take root in Tierra del Fuego.

## Who they are

Matthews is the voyage's most exposed figure, deposited on a hostile shore with Bibles and good intentions while the Beagle sails on. His mission embodies Fitz Roy's belief that civilization can be transplanted, a conviction Darwin watches with growing skepticism. His fate tests whether the expedition's ideals survive contact with the land they were meant to save.

## Relationships

### [Jemmy Button](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyage_of_the_beagle_se/characters/jemmy_button)

_friendship_

Jemmy and missionary R. Matthews interact frequently, likely as companions during the mission to settle the Fuegians.

### [Fuegia Basket](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyage_of_the_beagle_se/characters/fuegia_basket)

_friendship_

Fuegia and R. Matthews share a cooperative relationship as part of the missionary settlement effort.

### [Captain Fitz Roy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyage_of_the_beagle_se/characters/captain_fitz_roy)

_professional_

Captain Fitz Roy coordinates with missionary R. Matthews for the Fuegian settlement project.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyage_of_the_beagle_se/characters/r_matthews
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyage_of_the_beagle_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_voyage_of_the_beagle_se/characters