# Gilliatt — Toilers of the Sea character guide > Gilliatt in Toilers of the Sea by Victor Hugo. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Captain Gilliatt, Safe Gilliatt, Malicious Gilliatt, the Horse Gilliatt **First appearance:** 0006-i-a-word-written-on-a-white-page ## Snapshot A solitary Guernsey fisherman whispered about as a sorcerer, feared by neighbors and beloved by no one, whose strange talents and stranger reputation may be the island's only hope. ## Who they are Gilliatt lives apart from St. Sampson's gossip, and the gossip repays him with suspicion: stones he arranged, a house he passed, a name linked to the King of the Auxcriniers. Yet his hands know the sea and his mind knows machines, and he watches Déruchette with a devotion no one suspects. When the island's one great enterprise is wrecked, the man everyone distrusts becomes the man everyone must depend on. ## Relationships ### [Déruchette](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/characters/deruchette) _romantic_ Déruchette is the object of Gilliatt's deep, unrequited love, though she ultimately marries another. ### [The Man Rock](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/characters/the_man_rock) _psychological_ Gilliatt battles the treacherous Man Rock (the Douvres) in a solitary, obsessive struggle to salvage the wreck. ### [Mess Lethierry](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/characters/mess_lethierry) _professional_ Gilliatt undertakes the dangerous salvage mission for Mess Lethierry, hoping to win his approval and Déruchette's hand. ### [Captain Clubin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/characters/captain_clubin) _rivalry_ Clubin's betrayal indirectly sets Gilliatt on his dangerous mission, and their paths cross in opposition. ### [Tangrouille](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/characters/tangrouille) _friendship_ Tangrouille is a friendly acquaintance who helps Gilliatt with local knowledge and minor assistance. ### [Rev. Mr. Caudray](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/characters/rev_mr_caudray) _rivalry_ Gilliatt and Reverend Caudray are romantic rivals for Déruchette's affection, though Caudray is unaware of Gilliatt's feelings. ### [The Stranger](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/characters/the_stranger) _social_ The Stranger is a mysterious figure Gilliatt encounters briefly, adding to the novel's atmospheric tension. ### [Cashmere](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/characters/cashmere) _friendship_ Cashmere is Gilliatt's faithful dog, his only companion during his lonely ordeal on the rocks. ### [Déruchette](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/characters/deruchette) _romantic_ Déruchette is the object of Gilliatt's deep, unrequited love, though she ultimately marries another. ### [Captain Clubin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/characters/captain_clubin) _rivalry_ Clubin's betrayal indirectly sets Gilliatt on his dangerous mission, and their paths cross in opposition. ### [The Man Rock](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/characters/the_man_rock) _psychological_ Gilliatt battles the treacherous Man Rock (the Douvres) in a solitary, obsessive struggle to salvage the wreck. ### [Mess Lethierry](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/characters/mess_lethierry) _professional_ Gilliatt undertakes the dangerous salvage mission for Mess Lethierry, hoping to win his approval and Déruchette's hand. ## In the story ### [Toilers of the Sea](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/toilers-of-the-sea) Introduced as a solitary dreamer and outcast, living on the margins of society. ### [Book I: The History of a Bad Reputation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/book-i-the-history-of-a-bad-reputation) Introduced as a dreamer and solitary figure, living on the margins of Guernsey society, with a reputation shaped by local superstition. ### [A Word Written on a White Page](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/i-a-word-written-on-a-white-page) A young man, part workman and part sailor, who observes Déruchette from a distance and later finds his name written in the snow. ### [The Bû de la Rue](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/ii-the-b-de-la-rue) Gilliatt lives in the Bû de la Rue, a haunted house, and is disliked by his neighbors due to superstitions. ### [For Your Wife: When You Marry](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/iii-for-your-wife-when-you-marry) Introduced as a child brought to Guernsey by a mysterious woman; grows up in isolation, inherits her property and a bridal trousseau; becomes moody and solitary after her death. ### [An Unpopular Man](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/iv-an-unpopular-man) The protagonist, whose eccentricities and mysterious background make him an object of local antipathy and suspicion. ### [V: More Suspicious Facts About Gilliatt](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/v-more-suspicious-facts-about-gilliatt) Regarded as a marcou or cambion; refuses to perform miraculous cures but offers practical remedies; saves Sieur Landoys from drowning. ### [The Dutch Sloop](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/vi-the-dutch-sloop) Described as a skilled but solitary fisherman and craftsman, nicknamed 'Malicious Gilliatt,' who wins the Dutch sloop in a regatta. ### [A Fit Tenant for a Haunted House](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/vii-a-fit-tenant-for-a-haunted-house) Portrayed as a dreamer and visionary, whose solitude fosters a mystical and observant nature, leading him to speculate about invisible life in the atmosphere and the significance of dreams. ### [The Gild-Holm-’Ur Seat](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/viii-the-gild-holm-ur-seat) Gilliatt knew the Gild-Holm-’Ur seat well and often sat there, but was never trapped by the sea. ### [A Certain Predilection](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/ii-a-certain-predilection) Mentioned briefly as a child of Nature, setting a contrast with Lethierry. ### [Book IV: The Bagpipe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/book-iv-the-bagpipe) Introduced as a dreamy, solitary figure who plays the bagpipe and is viewed as an outsider by the community. ### [Streaks of Fire on the Horizon](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/i-streaks-of-fire-on-the-horizon) Gilliatt is the focal point of the chapter, experiencing a profound emotional reaction to Déruchette's act of writing his name in the snow. ### [The Unknown Unfolds Itself by Degrees](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/ii-the-unknown-unfolds-itself-by-degrees) Gilliatt becomes increasingly obsessed with Déruchette, watching her from behind the garden wall and listening to her voice. ### [The Air 'Bonnie Dundee' Finds an Echo on the Hill](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/iii-the-air-bonnie-dundee-finds-an-echo-on-the-hill) Spends the summer watching near the Bravées garden, lost in thought about Déruchette and his own poverty. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/iv) Has been secretly in love with Déruchette for four years, serenading her with his bagpipe, but has never spoken to her. ### [How an Idler Had the Good Fortune to Be Seen by a Fisherman](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/vii-how-an-idler-had-the-good-fortune-to-be-seen-by-a-fisherman) Rescues a stranger from the Gild-Holm-'Ur rock, refuses payment, and receives a Bible; then is lost in reverie about Déruchette. ### [Book V: The Revolver](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/book-v-the-revolver) Gilliatt is the central figure, enduring isolation and physical hardship on the Douvres rock while working to salvage the Durande's machinery. ### [The Birds’-Nesters](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/v-the-birds-nesters) Mentioned as having interfered in the matter of the birds'-nesters for the sake of the birds and children. ### [VI: The Jacressade](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/vi-the-jacressade) Gilliatt is not directly mentioned in this chapter, but the setting of the Jacressade in St. Malo is part of the world he inhabits. ### [The Pearl at the Foot of the Precipice](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/i-the-pearl-at-the-foot-of-the-precipice) Arrives in St. Sampson, troubled and anxious, and enters the Bravées to learn of the Durande's loss. ### [Part II: Malicious Gilliatt](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/part-ii-malicious-gilliatt) Referred to as 'Malicious Gilliatt' by the community, highlighting his reputation as a solitary and enigmatic figure. ### [Book I: The Rock](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/book-i-the-rock) Introduced as a solitary, enigmatic figure living near the Gild-Holm-'Ur rock, rumored to have supernatural powers and a connection to the sea. ### [The Place Which Is Difficult to Reach, and Difficult to Leave](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/i-the-place-which-is-difficult-to-reach-and-difficult-to-leave) Sails the sloop through dangerous channels to reach the Douvres, surveys the wreck of the Durande, and begins preparations for salvage. ### [A Catalogue of Disasters](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/ii-a-catalogue-of-disasters) Gilliatt surveys the wreck, climbs to the poop, and begins securing his salvage equipment. ### [III: Sound; But Not Safe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/iii-sound-but-not-safe) Gilliatt assesses the wreck of the Durande, noting the intact machinery and the difficulty of salvage. ### [IV: A Preliminary Survey](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/iv-a-preliminary-survey) Ascends the right paddle-box of the Durande to survey the Douvres group and plan his salvage operations. ### [V: A Word Upon the Secret Co-Operations of the Elements](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/v-a-word-upon-the-secret-co-operations-of-the-elements) Implicitly referenced as one who might be condemned to a temporary habitation upon a rock in mid-ocean, facing the elemental forces described. ### [A Stable for the Horse](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/vi-a-stable-for-the-horse) Navigates the Douvres reefs, anchors the sloop in a sheltered creek, and assesses his own shelter options. ### [A Chamber for the Voyager](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/vii-a-chamber-for-the-voyager) Works on the wreck, scales the Great Douvre, and establishes a shelter in a rock hollow. ### [VIII: Importunæque Volucres](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/viii-importun-que-volucres) Sleeps in the cave, dreams of Déruchette, wakes cold, loses his provisions to the wind and birds, and breakfasts on limpets. ### [The Rock, and How Gilliatt Used It](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/ix-the-rock-and-how-gilliatt-used-it) Works alone on the rock, salvaging and organizing wreckage from the Durande with astonishing tenacity and perseverance. ### [X: The Forge](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/x-the-forge) Constructs the forge, masters natural elements, and experiences visionary moods while working. ### [Discovery](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/xi-discovery) Gilliatt ventures into the dangerous caverns of the Douvres rock, exploring for salvage and food, unaware of the rock's connection to Clubin's fate. ### [The Interior of an Edifice Under the Sea](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/xii-the-interior-of-an-edifice-under-the-sea) Explores the submarine cavern, observing its strange beauty and perilous pools. ### [XIII: What Was Seen There; and What Perceived Dimly](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/xiii-what-was-seen-there-and-what-perceived-dimly) Gilliatt is the observer and dreamer, perceiving the cavern's sublime beauty and sensing an otherworldly presence, before glimpsing a monstrous creature. ### [Book II: The Labour](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/book-ii-the-labour) The central figure of the chapter, engaged in the arduous salvage operation. ### [The Resources of One Who Has Nothing](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/i-the-resources-of-one-who-has-nothing) Gilliatt labors alone in the cavern, forging tools, repairing tackle, and removing the paddle-wheels of the Durande, driven by sheer will and instinct. ### [Wherein Shakespeare and Aeschylus Meet](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/ii-wherein-shakespeare-and-aeschylus-meet) Alone and untaught, Gilliatt measures his sloop and the Durande's engine-room, daring to attempt the salvage of the machinery despite the overwhelming odds. ### [Gilliatt's Masterpiece Comes to the Rescue of That of Lethierry](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/iii-gilliatt-s-masterpiece-comes-to-the-rescue-of-that-of-lethierry) Engineers a complex hoisting apparatus between the Douvres, working alone with great effort and ingenuity. ### [Sub Re](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/iv-sub-re) Endures extreme privation—hunger, thirst, cold, and physical wounds—while maintaining an indomitable will to complete the salvage. ### [Sub Umbra](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/v-sub-umbra) Gilliatt is the solitary figure whose mind is weighed down by the immensity of night and the cosmos, feeling the pressure of darkness and the mystery of existence. ### [Gilliatt Places the Sloop in Readiness](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/vi-gilliatt-places-the-sloop-in-readiness) Gilliatt is the central figure, executing the complex salvage operation with remarkable skill and determination. ### [Sudden Danger](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/vii-sudden-danger) Demonstrates remarkable ingenuity and physical prowess by building a barrier to shield the sloop and Durande from the incoming westerly swell. ### [VIII: Movement Rather Than Progress](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/viii-movement-rather-than-progress) Executes the complex operation of transferring the Durande's machinery into the sloop, showing immense strength, ingenuity, and control over the elements. ### [A Slip Between Cup and Lip](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/ix-a-slip-between-cup-and-lip) Gilliatt faces an unexpected obstacle with the chimney, experiences forced inaction, and sleeps on the sloop after his labor. ### [X: Sea-Warnings](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/x-sea-warnings) Awakens to the phosphorescent sea, frees the sloop from the wreck, and reinforces his anchorage and barrier with extra chains. ### [A Word to the Wise Is Enough](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/xi-a-word-to-the-wise-is-enough) Works tirelessly to build a breakwater, sensing an approaching tempest despite the deceptive calm. ### [Book III: The Struggle](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/book-iii-the-struggle) Protagonist who single-handedly salvages the Durande's machinery, fights a devilfish, and ultimately drowns after seeing Déruchette married. ### [III: The Noises Explained](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/iii-the-noises-explained) Gilliatt observes the phosphorescence and the murmuring of the wind, recognizing the warnings of the approaching equinoctial tempest. ### [Turba Turma](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/iv-turba-turma) Mentioned as constructing his breakwater on the Douvres rock while the winds gather. ### [Gilliatt's Alternatives](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/v-gilliatt-s-alternatives) Gilliatt perceives the sea's long-meditated trap; his position has shifted from impregnable to critically endangered. ### [The Combat](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/vi-the-combat) Gilliatt fights desperately against the storm, using ingenuity and physical strength to reinforce the breakwater and prevent the destruction of the sloop and machinery. ### [Book IV: Pitfalls in the Way](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/book-iv-pitfalls-in-the-way) Gilliatt is central to the chapter, facing the perils of the sea and the moral challenges of the salvage operation. ### [He Who Is Hungry Is Not Alone](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/i-he-who-is-hungry-is-not-alone) Hungry and exhausted after the storm, Gilliatt searches for food and is attacked by a devilfish in a submarine cavern. ### [The Monster](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/ii-the-monster) The chapter sets the stage for Gilliatt's upcoming confrontation with the devilfish, establishing the creature's fearsome nature. ### [Another Kind of Sea-Combat](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/iii-another-kind-of-sea-combat) Engages in a life-or-death struggle with a giant devilfish, using his left hand to decapitate it. ### [Nothing Is Hidden, Nothing Lost](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/iv-nothing-is-hidden-nothing-lost) Discovers the skeleton and the hidden treasure after killing the devilfish. ### [V: The Fatal Difference Between Six Inches and Two Feet](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/v-the-fatal-difference-between-six-inches-and-two-feet) Discovers the leak in the sloop, works frantically to find and staunch it, and reflects on his earlier discovery of Clubin's skeleton. ### [De Profundis Ad Altum](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/vi-de-profundis-ad-altum) The solitary hero who battles the leak in his sloop, using a tarpaulin and his own clothes to staunch the breach, and ultimately prays for mercy in his exhaustion. ### [The Appeal Is Heard](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/vii-the-appeal-is-heard) Found motionless on the rock, near death, but revived by the sun and sea; repairs his sloop and departs for Guernsey. ### [Book I: Night and the Moon](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/book-i-night-and-the-moon) Introduced as a solitary dreamer, deeply attuned to the night and the sea. ### [The Harbour Bell Again](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/ii-the-harbour-bell-again) Returns to St. Sampson after a slow passage, secretly observes Déruchette from a hidden corner, and witnesses her receiving a marriage proposal. ### [Gratitude and Despotism](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/book-ii-gratitude-and-despotism) The object of Lethierry's gratitude, having successfully salvaged the Durande's machinery. ### [Joy Surrounded by Tortures](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/i-joy-surrounded-by-tortures) Returns the salvaged machinery and the stolen banknotes to Lethierry, but refuses the offered marriage to Déruchette, claiming he does not love her, and appears pale and distressed. ### [The Leathern Trunk](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/ii-the-leathern-trunk) Referenced by his nickname 'malicious Gilliatt'; Lethierry sends him a note about the marriage. ### [Book III: The Departure of the Cashmere](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/book-iii-the-departure-of-the-cashmere) Watches the Cashmere depart, experiencing the pain of losing Déruchette. ### [The Havelet Near the Church](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/i-the-havelet-near-the-church) Mentioned as the 'nobody' who performed the miraculous salvage of the Durande's machinery, causing the town's excitement. ### [Despair Confronts Despair](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/ii-despair-confronts-despair) Appears transformed, clean-shaven and dressed in new sailor's clothes; he urges Déruchette and Caudray to marry and leads them to the church. ### [III: The Forethought of Self-Sacrifice](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/iii-the-forethought-of-self-sacrifice) Provides the forged letter and his own ring, silently giving away Déruchette. ### [IV: For Your Wife: When You Marry](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/iv-for-your-wife-when-you-marry) Acts as the silent guide and benefactor, having arranged the marriage and provided a trunk of clothing; delivers a heartfelt, subdued farewell speech revealing his unrequited love. ### [The Great Tomb](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/chapters/v-the-great-tomb) Walks along the shore avoiding others, climbs to the Gild-Holm-’Ur seat, watches the Cashmere depart, and drowns as the tide rises. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/characters/gilliatt - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/toilers_of_the_sea_se/characters