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Two Years Before the Mast · Character

Nat Ames

A young Boston sailor aboard the Pilgrim, one of the narrator's shipmates in the forecastle and a companion of his early voyage education.

supporting

Also known as Nathaniel Ames

First appearance: ii

As a supporting figure in Two Years Before the Mast, Nat Ames is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

The Cape Cod boy who initially bullies George but is defeated in the boxing match, leading to his loss of status.
In the storyXXVIIOpen this moment free

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Nat Ames is one of the Boston boys just out of the public schools who signs aboard the Pilgrim, sharing the forecastle with the narrator and the rest of the crew. Like Dana, he is green to square-rigged life, learning…

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See Nat Ames in ii

Character Web

3 connections

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

RHRichard Henry …GBGeorge BallmerHBHarry BennettNANat Ames

Relationship types

  • Other

Character groups

  • Major crew and contacts
  • Protagonist

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

SetupEscalationAftermathClimax
  • Setup
  • Escalation
  • Breaking point
  • Aftermath
  • Closing

In this chapter, the narrator experiences an emotional peak by reuniting with the *Pilgrim*, his first home at…

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In the story

Nat Ames appears across 1 companion beat. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Nat Ames unlock in the free preview.

See Nat Ames in ii
Who is Nat Ames in Two Years Before the Mast?