Axel Heyst

Lena

Heyst rescues Lena from a traveling orchestra and they develop a deep, protective romantic bond on the island.

Mr. Jones

Jones, a cold-blooded gambler and criminal, targets Heyst for his supposed wealth, creating a deadly adversarial dynamic.

Martin Ricardo

Heyst and Ricardo are direct adversaries, with Ricardo threatening Heyst's life and relationship with Lena.

Davidson

Davidson is Heyst's most reliable friend and ally, often checking on his welfare and offering practical help.

Wang

Wang is Heyst's Chinese servant on the island, loyal but pragmatic, eventually fleeing when danger arrives.

Morrison

Morrison was Heyst's former business partner and friend, whose death left Heyst with a sense of guilt and isolation.

Schomberg

Schomberg harbors a grudge against Heyst for winning Lena's affection, leading him to betray Heyst to Jones.

Pedro

Pedro is a physical threat to Heyst, acting as the brute force of Jones's gang.

Lena

Heyst rescues Lena from a traveling orchestra and they develop a deep, protective romantic bond on the island.

Lena

Heyst rescues Lena from a traveling orchestra and they develop a deep, protective romantic bond on the island.

Mr. Jones

Jones, a cold-blooded gambler and criminal, targets Heyst for his supposed wealth, creating a deadly adversarial dynamic.

Davidson

Davidson is Heyst's most reliable friend and ally, often checking on his welfare and offering practical help.

Author's Note

Based on a man Conrad met briefly, whose detached and amiable manner formed the foundation for Heyst's character.

Part I

Introduced as a wandering, detached figure who becomes entangled with Morrison and later retreats to Samburan after the coal company's failure.

I

Introduced as the solitary inhabitant of Samburan, a former manager of the Tropical Belt Coal Company, known for his courteous manner and enigmatic nature.

III

Heyst becomes the manager of the Tropical Belt Coal Company, then retreats to Samburan after its liquidation, living in isolation.

IV

Heyst shares details of his past with Davidson, including his father's philosophy and his schooling in England. He returns to Samburan after a brief stay in Sourabaya, claiming a taste for solitude.

V

Subject of the gossip; has taken Lena to Samburan, leaving a note for Davidson via Mrs. Schomberg.

VI

Signals Davidson from the wharf; speaks philosophically about action and the world; returns Mrs. Schomberg's shawl.

Chapter VII

Discussed as the subject of Schomberg's slander. He is described as detached from earthly affairs, yet his elopement with Lena is seen as an incongruous act of self-assertion.

I

Staying at Schomberg's hotel, disenchanted and remorseful over Morrison's death; impulsively approaches and speaks to the girl from the orchestra.

II

Heyst reflects on his impulsive nature and his decision to rescue Alma, driven by compassion and a desire to act despite his usual detachment.

III

Heyst's formative years with his father and his decision to drift through life are recounted. He experiences a profound emotional impact upon seeing Alma (Lena) again after their initial encounter.

VIII

Portrayed by Schomberg as a wealthy, dangerous swindler and murderer of Morrison, the target of the planned attack.

I

Meditates on his father's philosophy and his own actions; lives alone on Samburan after the company's failure; recalls his father's death and his own decision to 'look on and never make a sound.'

II

Returns to Samburan with Lena, observes Wang's work, and guides Lena into the house.

III

Heyst muses on his philosophy of detachment, his tie to Morrison, and his new life with Lena on Samburan.

IV

Heyst walks to and fro, feeling emptiness and regret, then kisses Lena and discusses his loyalty to Morrison and the coal scheme.

V

Reads his father's book, reflects on the calumny about Morrison, and reassures Lena of their isolation.

VI

Heyst is astounded by Wang's report and investigates the mysterious boat. He provides water to the strangers and observes their violent behavior.

VII

Heyst listens to Ricardo's account, observes the newcomers, and offers them lodging in the countinghouse bungalow.

Chapter VIII

Heyst walks away from the strangers, feeling a shift in his sense of self and a new, imperious call. He decides not to alarm Lena by telling her about the boat.

IX

Discovers his revolver is missing, suspects Wang, and reflects on the new dangers posed by the strangers' arrival.

X

Referenced as the target of the plot; his solitary nature and cryptic behavior are discussed.

I

Referenced as the owner of the bungalow and the man in conversation with Mr. Jones.

II

Mentioned as having confessed to Lena that he is disarmed and defenseless.

III

Heyst returns to the bungalow and calls for Lena, unaware of Ricardo's presence; his voice and footsteps drive the tension.

IV

Heyst is anxious about Lena's condition and puzzled by Wang's behavior. He confronts Wang about the stolen revolver and then decides to visit the guests.

V

Reports Wang's departure and his disturbing talk with Mr. Jones; feels helpless and disarmed.

VI

Seen walking with Lena in the clearing, his movements observed by Ricardo, who speculates on the meaning of this change in policy.

VII

Visits Mr. Jones and Ricardo to warn them about Wang, appearing worried.

VIII

Heyst reveals his despair and loss of belief in realities, contemplates violence, and expresses regret for not signaling Davidson. He leads Lena through the forest and confronts Wang at the barricade.

IX

Heyst grapples with doubt and despair, deciding to host Ricardo for dinner despite his misgivings.

Chapter X

Heyst plans to confront the intruders, gives Lena detailed escape instructions, and negotiates with Ricardo to send Pedro away.

Chapter XI

Heyst confronts Mr. Jones, remains unarmed and calm, but is deeply shaken by seeing Lena with Ricardo.

XII

Appears in the doorway at the end of the chapter, having fired a shot that wounds Ricardo.

XIII

Returns to find Lena; attends to her wound and holds her as she dies.

XIV

Heyst dies in the fire alongside Lena, having spoken his final words about hope and love to Davidson.