"Kidnapped" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

In Robert Louis Stevenson's "Kidnapped," the characters play various roles, contributing to the development of the story. Let's explore their roles:

1. David Balfour: The protagonist's journey drives the narrative as he navigates the dangerous world of 18th-century Scotland.
2. Alan Breck Stewart: A charismatic highlander, Alan serves as David's loyal companion, protector, and guide throughout his adventures.
3. Uncle Ebenezer: As the deceptive and manipulative uncle, he plays the role of the story's main antagonist, fueling the conflicts and tension.
4. Captain Hoseason: The captain of the Covenant, he triggers the central conflict by kidnapping David and selling him into slavery.
5. Ebenezer's Henchmen: These characters assist Uncle Ebenezer in his plans, adding to the overall atmosphere of danger and intrigue.
6. James Stewart: Known as James of the Glens, he represents the Jacobite cause and becomes a key figure in David's journey.
7. Colin Roy Campbell: A government official, also known as the Red Fox, he relentlessly pursues Alan Breck and is a constant threat to the protagonists.
8. Ransome: The second mate of the Covenant, Ransome befriends David and provides crucial assistance during their encounters.

Character Descriptions

David Balfour

David Balfour is a young, resilient, and determined individual. Having recently lost his parents, David travels to his late father's house to claim his inheritance, only to encounter a treacherous uncle who seeks to eliminate him. Throughout the story, David evolves from a naive and inexperienced adolescent into a courageous and resourceful young man.

Alan Breck Stewart

Alan Breck Stewart is a proud, brave, and fiercely loyal highlander. His allegiance to the Jacobite movement forms the foundation for his character. Alan provides guidance and protection to David during their arduous journey, employing his sharp wit and fighting skills to navigate through dangerous situations.

Uncle Ebenezer

Uncle Ebenezer is a cunning, dishonest, and ruthless character. On the surface, he presents himself as a respectable uncle, but behind closed doors, he plots to eliminate David in order to secure his inheritance. Ebenezer's actions drive much of the conflict in the novel.

Captain Hoseason

Captain Hoseason serves as the captain of the Covenant, a ship that becomes instrumental in the central plot. He kidnaps David and attempts to sell him into slavery, triggering the events that lead to David's ultimate journey of self-discovery.

Ebenezer's Henchmen

Ebenezer's henchmen are a group of nefarious individuals who aid Uncle Ebenezer in his schemes. They add an element of danger, constantly threatening David's safety and complicating his attempts to escape his uncle's clutches.

James Stewart / James of the Glens

James Stewart is a strong advocate for Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Stuart dynasty. He becomes a trusted friend and ally to Alan Breck and a significant influence on David's journey. James plays an important role in the political and historical context of the story.

Colin Roy Campbell / the Red Fox

Colin Roy Campbell, known as the Red Fox, represents the government and actively opposes the Jacobite cause. Pursuing Alan Breck and David, he adds a constant sense of peril and tension throughout the narrative.

Ransome

Ransome, the second mate of the Covenant, develops an unexpected friendship with David during their time together on the ship. He plays an important role in key moments of the story, aiding David's survival and escape.

Character Traits

Let's delve into the traits that define each character in "Kidnapped":

Character Background

The characters' backgrounds shape their motivations and actions throughout the story.

David Balfour is an orphan who embarks on a journey to claim his inheritance from his late father's house. Alan Breck Stewart, a Jacobite, finds himself in exile following the Battle of Culloden. Uncle Ebenezer, driven by greed, plots to eliminate David and gain full control of the estate. Captain Hoseason, a seasoned seafarer, resorts to kidnapping and slave trading for financial gain. James Stewart supports Bonnie Prince Charlie's claim to the throne, and Colin Roy Campbell is a loyal servant of the British government. Finally, Ransome, while a crew member on the ship, shows kindness and loyalty to David.

Character Arcs

The characters in "Kidnapped" undergo significant development over the course of the story:

1. David Balfour: David evolves from a sheltered, naive youth into a mature, courageous individual. Throughout his journey, he gains self-reliance, learns to navigate treacherous situations, and discovers his true strength.
2. Alan Breck Stewart: Alan begins as a proud, fiercely loyal Highlander, seeking justice for his cause. He gradually learns the value of friendship and teamwork, becoming more compassionate and aware of the complexities of loyalty.
3. Uncle Ebenezer: Uncle Ebenezer's character arc is one of duplicity and deceit. As David uncovers his schemes, Ebenezer descends further into treachery, ultimately facing the consequences of his actions.
4. Captain Hoseason: Captain Hoseason's arc showcases the corrupting nature of greed and power. Initially driven solely by profit, he faces the consequences of his actions, leading to his downfall.

Relationships

The relationships between characters provide depth and drive the narrative forward, often sparking conflict or resolution:

• David and Alan: The bond between David and Alan forms the core of the story. Their relationship evolves from an initial place of distrust to a deep friendship built on loyalty, mutual respect, and shared danger.
• David and Uncle Ebenezer: David's relationship with his uncle is one of familial betrayal and hostility. Throughout the story, David unravels the truth about Ebenezer's schemes, leading to their ultimate confrontation.
• David and James Stewart: James's friendship with David introduces him to the world of Jacobitism and provides a historical and political backdrop to the events of the novel.
• Alan and James Stewart: Alan's relationship with James demonstrates their shared commitment to the Jacobite cause and adds complexity to the story's political landscape.
• Alan and Colin Roy Campbell: Colin Roy Campbell's relentless pursuit of Alan adds tension and conflict to the plot, as Alan continually evades capture through his wits and resourcefulness.

In Robert Louis Stevenson's "Kidnapped," the vibrant cast of characters serves to propel the narrative, with their unique backgrounds, traits, and interactions shaping the protagonist's journey of self-discovery. As the story unfolds, readers experience a rich blend of adventure, friendship, danger, and historical significance.