The Worst Journey in the World · Character

Teddy Evans

Second-in-command of the expedition, a naval officer whose supporting party turned back before the Pole and whose own ordeal tested him to the edge.

supporting

Also known as Teddy Evans, Evans, Teddy, Teddy [ Evans, Lieutenant Evans, Lieut. Evans

First appearance: the worst journey in the world

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

Lieutenant Evans was in command of the ship and led the exploration party at South Trinidad Island.

In the storyI: From England to South AfricaOpen this moment free

Teddy Evans carried the weight of command beneath Scott, leading one of the supporting parties that would have to surrender the final southern march to others. Cherry's account lingers on the physical toll such leadership took, and on the grim calculus of who was fit to go on and who must turn back. His story matters because it dramatizes the expedition's central tension: ambition against the body's limits, and the quiet grief of being ordered home while others continue.

See Teddy Evans in I: From England to South Africa Book page

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Character Web

46 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

Teddy Evans appears across 13 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

I: From England to South Africa
Lieutenant Evans was in command of the ship and led the exploration party at South Trinidad Island.
Land
Reported to when pack ice is sighted; takes charge on the bridge.
The Return of the Pony Party from One Ton Depot
Left a note at a cairn recording Blossom's death; his earlier return with three weak ponies is referenced.
Spring
Helps steer the motor sledges by pulling on a rope; assists with repairs and shelter setup.
The Barrier Stage
Evans leads the man-hauling party with Lashly after losing their motors, highlighting the physical demands of the journey.
The Beardmore Glacier
Leads team II, surveys with Bowers, and struggles to keep up with Scott's pace initially.
XI: The Polar Journey (Continued)
Lieutenant Evans was sent back with the last supporting party; he and Lashly had man-hauled 400 miles more than the rest.
III: The Plateau from Mount Darwin to Lat. 87° 2′ S.
Leads the last supporting party that turns back on January 4, 1912.
The Polar Journey (Continued)
Leader of the Last Supporting Party; suffered from snow blindness and was disheartened by leading the party into dangerous pressure, but was reassured by his companions.
Returning Parties
Evans leads the returning party, navigates despite snow-blindness, and later falls seriously ill, requiring rescue.
XIII: Suspense
Seriously ill after the depot journey; rescued by Crean and Atkinson.
Another Spring
Mentioned as having been told by Scott of the intended return route; also suffered badly from snow-blindness during the return journey.
The Pole and After
Led the last supporting party that turned back on January 3, 1912; returned with Crean and Lashly.

Chapter companion notes

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See Teddy Evans in the worst journey in the world

See Teddy Evans in I: From England to South Africa