# George P. Marsh — Two Years Before the Mast character guide

> George P. Marsh in Two Years Before the Mast by Richard Henry Dana Jr..

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** George Marsh

**First appearance:** 0004-ii

## Snapshot

A Pilgrim sailor whose tall tales and man-of-war slang keep the forecastle laughing, and who becomes one of the narrator's closest friends at sea.

## Who they are

Marsh is one of the common run of sailors in the Pilgrim's watch, a man whose improbable yarns are spun purely for amusement and never meant to be believed. His humor and easy command of sailor's salt phrases make him a natural center of gravity in the forecastle, easing the harshness of shipboard life. For the narrator, he becomes a steady companion whose friendship helps transform a green hand into a sailor.

## In the story

### [XXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/two_years_before_the_mast_se/chapters/xxiv)

Newly shipped English hand; speaks French, writes elegantly, and shows knowledge of law and Parliament, hinting at a higher education despite his claimed smuggler background.

### [XXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/two_years_before_the_mast_se/chapters/xxvii)

The Boston boy who fights Nat Ames and wins, gaining respect and ending the bullying.

### [XXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/two_years_before_the_mast_se/chapters/xxviii)

Leaves the ship to become second mate on the Ayacucho; the narrator speculates about his true background and regrets not learning his full story.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/two_years_before_the_mast_se/characters/george_p_marsh
- 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