Captain Scott

The Worst Journey in the World

Leader of the expedition, central figure in the narrative.

I: From England to South Africa

Scott is mentioned as the leader who organized the expedition, noting that the worst part was over after preparation. He announced Cardiff as the first port on return.

II: Making Our Easting Down

Scott lands in Australia with a cheerful mind, pleased with the crew's enthusiasm and comradeship. He places increasing trust in Campbell and recognizes Bowers' seamanlike qualities.

III: Southward

Makes critical decisions about banked fires and steam, consults with Wilson in the crow's nest, and grows attached to the Terra Nova.

The Depot Journey

Busy making arrangements for a further year's stay; takes reverses like a brick; expresses relief when missing men are found; decides to proceed as though Amundsen's presence had not happened.

The Return of the Pony Party from One Ton Depot

Asked Bowers to take theodolite observations; delighted to see Weary Willie going well when the dog team was caught up.

The Return of the Dog Party

Leads the dog party, makes critical decisions during the crevasse rescue and the pony rescue, and later walks with Cherry-Garrard.

VI: The First Winter

Described as the driving force of the expedition, a quick and modern brain, shy and reserved yet dominating, with a subtle character full of lights and shades. He is shown as a hard sledger who could not tolerate delays and was sensitive to a fault.

VII: The Winter Journey

Mentioned as the leader who requested the party to test rations for the Polar Journey; his diary is quoted praising the winter journey.

Spring

Finalizes Southern Journey plans with Bowers's help; expresses cautious optimism despite setbacks; becomes worried and unhappy over mishaps.

The Polar Journey

Leads the polar party, makes key decisions about pony forage and the glacier ascent, and reflects on the motor sledges.

The Barrier Stage

Scott is depicted as a meticulous and efficient leader, emphasizing order and routine in camp. He is also shown as a companionable figure during meals, sharing personal anecdotes about authors like Barrie and Galsworthy.

X: The Polar Journey (Continued)

Scott laments the bad luck of the blizzard and deep snow, and is heartrendingly forced to choose which men will continue.

The Beardmore Glacier

Leads the expedition, makes critical decisions about route and team composition, and expresses heartrending choices about who continues.

XI: The Polar Journey (Continued)

Scott led the polar party and made the decision to take five men forward; his team was the strongest on the glacier.

III: The Plateau from Mount Darwin to Lat. 87° 2′ S.

Leads the first team, makes the decision to take five men to the Pole, and writes hopeful notes home.

Returning Parties

Scott bids farewell to the returning party, expressing confidence in success and gratitude for their assistance.

XVII: The Polar Journey

Records the disappointment at finding Amundsen's flag, notes the cold and fatigue of the party, and logs wind conditions during the plateau journey.

The Pole and After

Leader of the polar party, aged 43, anxious but resolute; praised his companions and made the decision to take five men to the Pole.

XVIII: The Polar Journey (Continued)

Scott's diary entries form the core of the chapter, recording the party's suffering, the deaths of Evans and Oates, and his own declining hope.

VI: Farthest South

Leader of the Polar Party; his diary entries and letters document the party's struggles and his final message.

XIX: Never Again

Cherry-Garrard discusses Scott's leadership, his decision to include scientific work alongside the polar journey, and the fatal consequences of the chosen transport methods.

Endnotes

Cited extensively in endnotes referencing his journals and published works.