The Worst Journey in the World · Character

Tom Crean

Irish seaman whose strength and cheerfulness made him a mainstay of the sledging parties, and whose endurance became the stuff of expedition legend.

supporting

Also known as Crean, Poor Crean, Bones, Crean with Bones

First appearance: the worst journey in the world

As a supporting figure in The Worst Journey in the World, Tom Crean is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Crean volunteers to go aloft alone to free a jammed yard during the squall, but permission is refused.

In the storyII: Making Our Easting DownOpen this moment free

Crean hauled with the ponies and later with the man-hauling teams, one of those steady, uncomplaining figures on whom the whole southern journey quietly depended. He was the sort of man who could be relied on to keep going when the rations thinned and the temperatures dropped, and Cherry writes of him with the affection reserved for the truly dependable. His presence matters because the middle of the story is built from the grind of these supporting men, whose labour made the polar dash possible at all.

See Tom Crean in II: Making Our Easting Down Book page

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Character Web

47 connections

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Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Terra Nova Expedition Members
Protagonist

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This excerpt marks the dramatic climax because it details the emotional and psychological peak of despair as t…

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In the story

Tom Crean appears across 10 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

II: Making Our Easting Down
Crean volunteers to go aloft alone to free a jammed yard during the squall, but permission is refused.
The Depot Journey
Narrates his escape from the ice floes to the Barrier using a ski stick; described as 'pretty lively' during the ordeal.
The Return of the Dog Party
Helps hold the rescued horse on the Barrier during the pony rescue.
XI: The Polar Journey (Continued)
Crean was also sent back with the last supporting party on January 4.
III: The Plateau from Mount Darwin to Lat. 87° 2′ S.
Part of the supporting party that turns back with Teddy Evans and Lashly.
The Polar Journey (Continued)
Member of the Last Supporting Party; became snow-blind while leading, forcing Lashly to take over the lead.
Returning Parties
Crean suffers snow-blindness during the return, and later makes a heroic solo march of 30+ hours to reach Hut Point for help.
XIII: Suspense
Makes a heroic 35-mile solitary walk to save Teddy Evans; later returns to Cape Evans.
XVI: The Search Journey
Member of the mule party, participates in the search journey.
The Pole and After
Part of the last supporting party; was half in tears when saying goodbye to the polar party.

Chapter companion notes

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See Tom Crean in the worst journey in the world

See Tom Crean in II: Making Our Easting Down