Triplanetary · Character

Conway Costigan

A burly Triplanetary first officer whose grim competence hides a soft streak for a golden-haired passenger, and who keeps his head when the air turns to poison.

major

Also known as Costigan, First Officer Costigan, Conway Murphy Spud Costigan

First appearance: VII: Pirates of Space

As a major figure in Triplanetary, Conway Costigan is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Introduced as a key human figure in the early stages of the conflict.

In the storyBook I: DawnOpen this moment free

See Conway Costigan in Book I: Dawn Book page

Free preview opens at this moment — character cards, Character Web, and themes sit beside the text as you read.

In Book I: Dawn: Introduced as a key human figure in the early stages of the conflict. Later, in Book III: Triplanetary: First Officer Costigan is introduced as a key figure in the Triplanetary service, involved in the…

Continue beside the text

The fuller portrait of Conway Costigan sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.

See Conway Costigan in VII: Pirates of Space

Character Web

16 connections

A slice of how Conway Costigan sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Romantic
Professional
Rivalry
Other

Character groups

Triplanetary and Nevian Key Figures
Protagonist

+11 more in the full Character Web

Open in reader

Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Rising action.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This is the story's dramatic climax because it marks the emotional and psychological peak of Roger’s cold, cal…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

Follow the arc while reading

Relationships

Clio Marsden
romantic · positive
Clio and Conway share a deep romantic bond, marked by frequent interactions and… How this plays out →
Captain Bradley
professional · positive
Captain Nerado
rivalry · negative
Captain Ralph Kinnison
professional · positive
Clio Marsden
romantic · positive
Clio and Conway share a deep romantic bond, marked by frequent interactions and… How this plays out →
Clio Marsden
romantic · positive
Clio and Conway share a deep romantic bond, marked by frequent interactions and… How this plays out →
Captain Nerado
rivalry · negative
Captain Bradley
professional · positive
Captain Bradley
professional · positive
Captain Ralph Kinnison
professional · positive
Captain Ralph Kinnison
professional · positive

Clio Marsden
Clio and Conway share a deep romantic bond, marked by frequent interactions and protective affection.
Captain Bradley
Captain Bradley and Conway Costigan have a commanding officer and subordinate relationship, with frequent operational interactions.
Captain Nerado
Captain Nerado and Conway Costigan are antagonists, with Nerado representing an alien threat opposing Costigan.
Captain Ralph Kinnison
Captain Ralph Kinnison and Conway Costigan are fellow officers or operatives, cooperating on missions.
Clio Marsden
Clio and Conway share a deep romantic bond, marked by frequent interactions and protective affection.
Clio Marsden
Clio and Conway share a deep romantic bond, marked by frequent interactions and protective affection.
Captain Nerado
Captain Nerado and Conway Costigan are antagonists, with Nerado representing an alien threat opposing Costigan.
Captain Bradley
Captain Bradley and Conway Costigan have a commanding officer and subordinate relationship, with frequent operational interactions.
Captain Bradley
Captain Bradley and Conway Costigan have a commanding officer and subordinate relationship, with frequent operational interactions.
Captain Ralph Kinnison
Captain Ralph Kinnison and Conway Costigan are fellow officers or operatives, cooperating on missions.
Captain Ralph Kinnison
Captain Ralph Kinnison and Conway Costigan are fellow officers or operatives, cooperating on missions.

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See Conway Costigan in VII: Pirates of Space

In the story

Conway Costigan appears across 11 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Book I: Dawn
Introduced as a key human figure in the early stages of the conflict.
Book III: Triplanetary
First Officer Costigan is introduced as a key figure in the Triplanetary service, involved in the conflict with space pirates.
VII: Pirates of Space
First Officer of the Hyperion; helps Clio and Bradley during the attack and capture.
In Roger's Planetoid
Leads the sabotage and escape, communicates with Samms, and fights Roger in weightless combat.
X: Within the Red Veil
A prisoner aboard the Nevian ship, he reports to Samms via ultra-wave, speculates on Roger's possible escape, and comforts Clio as they face an unknown fate.
Nevian Strife
Confesses his love to Clio, expresses concern for her safety, and later helps repair the lifeboat after escaping the Nevian conflict.
Worm, Submarine, and Freedom
Leads the escape, repairs the lifeboat, fights the worm and the submarine, and plans modifications to their suits.
The Hill
Mentioned as missing; Samms praises his observational skills and hopes he is still alive.
XV: Specimens
Attempts escape and resists capture; struggles against the Nevians' examinations; shows protective fury toward Clio.
XVIII: The Specimens Escape
Orchestrates escape by manufacturing Vee-Two gas, gasses the Nevian city, steals a speedster, and rescues Clio and Bradley.
Giants Meet
Sends a distress call from the speedster, later advises caution against Nevian strength and recognizes Nerado's stalling tactics.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Conway Costigan unlock in the free preview.

See Conway Costigan in VII: Pirates of Space

See Conway Costigan in Book I: Dawn