# Captain Thompson — Two Years Before the Mast character guide > Captain Thompson in Two Years Before the Mast by Richard Henry Dana Jr.. **Role:** major **Also known as:** the captain, Captain T⸺ **First appearance:** 0003-i ## Snapshot The Pilgrim's absolute monarch, a man whose word is law at sea and whose temper can turn a calm deck into a courtroom of fear. ## Who they are Thompson commands the Pilgrim with the conviction that a ship needs one voice and one fist, and he exercises both without apology. Dana grants him the logic of necessity — emergencies demand instant power — yet shows how easily that power curdles into petty tyranny over men who cannot answer back. His clashes with the crew set the moral weather for the whole voyage. ## In the story ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/two_years_before_the_mast_se/chapters/i) The captain is mentioned as the one to be called if the wind shifts; the narrator receives orders to call him. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/two_years_before_the_mast_se/chapters/ii) Gives a characteristic speech to the crew after dividing watches, warning of consequences for disobedience. ### [Ship's Duties—Tropics](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/two_years_before_the_mast_se/chapters/iii) Described as the supreme authority on board, with absolute power. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/two_years_before_the_mast_se/chapters/iv) Stands the watch himself after demoting Mr. F⸺, then allows the crew to choose a new second mate, ultimately selecting Jim Hall. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/two_years_before_the_mast_se/chapters/v) Captain Thompson interacts with Captain Terry and decides not to heave to during the storm, insisting the vessel continue on course. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/two_years_before_the_mast_se/chapters/vii) Orders the quarter boat lowered and later hosts the governor and suite for dinner. ### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/two_years_before_the_mast_se/chapters/viii) Confronts the crew over a bread allowance dispute, delivers a memorable 'down east johnnycake' speech, and later blames the crew for the misunderstanding. ### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/two_years_before_the_mast_se/chapters/ix) The captain takes the steering oar for the return trip and has been finding fault with the mate, hinting at future trouble. ### [Southeaster and Passage Up the Coast](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/two_years_before_the_mast_se/chapters/x) Commands the ship during the storm and the subsequent sailing, showing concern for beating the Ayacucho. ### [XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/two_years_before_the_mast_se/chapters/xi) Shows off the vessel by carrying too much sail until a squall forces a hasty reduction; he orders the narrator aloft to furl the main royal. ### [XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/two_years_before_the_mast_se/chapters/xiv) Captain Thompson is described as a vigorous, severe disciplinarian who drives the crew hard and interferes with the mate's authority, exacerbating tensions aboard the ship. ### [XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/two_years_before_the_mast_se/chapters/xv) Brutally flogs Sam and John, declaring he flogs because he likes it, and asserts absolute authority. ### [XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/two_years_before_the_mast_se/chapters/xvi) Referenced indirectly as the religious captain who might give Saturday liberty; his strict rule contrasts with the day's freedom. ### [XVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/two_years_before_the_mast_se/chapters/xvii) Captain Thompson offers a reward for F⸺ and is involved in the flogging incident. ### [XVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/two_years_before_the_mast_se/chapters/xviii) Steers the gig during the whale encounter and orders the crew to throw hides down the cliff at San Juan. ### [XX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/two_years_before_the_mast_se/chapters/xx) Takes command of the Alert, sending down topgallant masts and unreeving rigging on his first day. ### [XXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/two_years_before_the_mast_se/chapters/xxii) Grants permission for the narrator to transfer to the Alert, provided an exchange is arranged. ### [Chapter XXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/two_years_before_the_mast_se/chapters/xxiii) Manages the ship's sailing and arrival on Sundays for economic gain; spends evenings ashore at Santa Barbara. ### [XXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/two_years_before_the_mast_se/chapters/xxiv) Orders the crew to board the main tack and heave in on the chain during the gale; determined not to slip anchor despite heavy seas. ### [Chapter XXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/two_years_before_the_mast_se/chapters/xxv) Captain Thompson commands the ship during the departure and the subsequent gale, ordering sail changes and directing the crew. ### [XXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/two_years_before_the_mast_se/chapters/xxviii) Orders the ship prepared for departure from Santa Barbara, indicating they will not return to windward, which lifts the crew's spirits. ### [Homeward Bound: Preparations and Anticipation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/two_years_before_the_mast_se/chapters/xxx) The captain drives the ship hard with full sail, and rumors circulate about his plans for rounding Cape Horn. ### [XXXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/two_years_before_the_mast_se/chapters/xxxii) The captain is decisive and determined, ordering the ship to wear to avoid ice, refusing to delay for the passenger's wish to land, and managing the crew's fatigue during severe weather. ### [XXXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/two_years_before_the_mast_se/chapters/xxxiii) The captain asserts his authority over the mate, orders additional sail set, and later punishes the steward with a rope's end. ### [XXXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/two_years_before_the_mast_se/chapters/xxxiv) Walks the deck during the tense calm before the thunderstorm, though it is too dark to see him clearly. ### [XXXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/two_years_before_the_mast_se/chapters/xxxv) The captain is eager to return home, having been married shortly before departure; he drives the ship hard and personally goes aboard the Solon to obtain fresh provisions. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/two_years_before_the_mast_se/characters/captain_thompson - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/two_years_before_the_mast_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/two_years_before_the_mast_se/characters