"The Dark Frigate" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

In "The Dark Frigate" by Charles Boardman Hawes, the characters play various roles that contribute to the development of the story. The protagonist, Philip Marsham, goes through a transformative journey, while Tom Jordan serves as the primary antagonist. Kit Bambridge, Jeremy Sparrow, Captain Nathaniel Alcock, Sir John Bristol, and Anne Bonny are supporting characters who impact the plot and the protagonist's growth.

Character Descriptions

Philip Marsham

Philip Marsham is the young and inexperienced protagonist of "The Dark Frigate." He is described as a tall and slender boy with fair hair, blue eyes, and a brave spirit. Philip is an orphan who is forced to seek a better life by running away from his unkind relatives. He joins a pirate crew and becomes a sailor, facing numerous challenges and dangers.

Tom Jordan

Tom Jordan serves as the primary antagonist in "The Dark Frigate." He is described as a burly and intimidating man with a cruel and ruthless nature. Tom is the captain of the pirate ship, and his actions and decisions often bring trouble and danger to Philip and the other crew members.

Kit Bambridge

Kit Bambridge is a supporting character in the story. He is an older sailor and friend of Philip. Kit is described as a seasoned seaman with weathered features and a gruff exterior. He becomes a mentor and guide to Philip, teaching him the ways of the sea and providing valuable advice.

Jeremy Sparrow

Jeremy Sparrow is another supporting character in the book. He is a young boy who joins the pirate crew along with Philip. Jeremy is depicted as a small and timid boy with a quick mind. Despite his initial fears, he proves to be loyal and resourceful, forming a strong bond with Philip.

Captain Nathaniel Alcock

Captain Nathaniel Alcock is a supporting character who plays a significant role in the story. He is the captain of a merchant ship and becomes a mentor figure to Philip. Captain Alcock is described as a wise and experienced sailor with a kind heart. He helps Philip escape the clutches of the pirates and guides him on his path to redemption.

Sir John Bristol

Sir John Bristol is a wealthy and influential character in the book. He is a representative of the law and justice. Sir John Bristol is determined to capture Tom Jordan and bring him to justice. His pursuit adds tension and suspense to the plot, as Philip and the other crew members are caught in the middle of the conflict.

Anne Bonny

Anne Bonny is a supporting character and a female pirate who joins Tom Jordan's crew. She is described as a fierce and fearless woman with a reputation for her bravery and skill in combat. Anne Bonny's presence challenges traditional gender roles and adds complexity to the dynamics within the pirate crew.

Character Traits

Philip Marsham

• Brave
• Determined
• Curious
• Naive
• Resilient

Tom Jordan

• Cruel
• Ruthless
• Intimidating
• Manipulative
• Greedy

Kit Bambridge

• Gruff
• Knowledgeable
• Loyal
• Wise
• Experienced

Jeremy Sparrow

• Timid
• Resourceful
• Loyal
• Quick-witted
• Supportive

Captain Nathaniel Alcock

• Wise
• Kind-hearted
• Experienced
• Mentor
• Courageous

Sir John Bristol

• Determined
• Just
• Tenacious
• Law-abiding
• Influential

Anne Bonny

• Fearless
• Fierce
• Skilled
• Defiant
• Independent

Character Background

Philip Marsham

Philip Marsham is an orphan who grew up under the care of his unkind relatives. He yearns for a life of adventure and freedom, which leads him to run away and join a pirate crew. His lack of experience and naivety make him vulnerable, but his determination and bravery help him navigate the challenges he faces.

Tom Jordan

Tom Jordan is a seasoned pirate captain who rules his crew with an iron fist. His background and motivations are not explored extensively in the book, but his actions and greed suggest a ruthless pursuit of wealth and power. His cruel nature makes him a formidable antagonist throughout the story.

Kit Bambridge

Kit Bambridge has spent most of his life at sea, sailing on various ships. He becomes a mentor and friend to Philip, sharing his knowledge and experiences. Kit's background and reasons for joining the pirate crew are not explicitly stated, but his camaraderie with Philip suggests a desire for adventure and a sense of belonging.

Jeremy Sparrow

Jeremy Sparrow is a young boy who finds himself thrown into the dangerous world of piracy. His background is not elaborated upon in the book, but his timid nature suggests a sheltered upbringing. Despite his initial fears, he proves to be a loyal and resourceful companion to Philip.

Captain Nathaniel Alcock

Captain Nathaniel Alcock is an experienced sailor who commands a merchant ship. Little is known about his background, but his wisdom and kindness make him a respected figure among the crew. He becomes a guiding force for Philip, helping him escape the clutches of the pirates and setting him on a path of redemption.

Sir John Bristol

Sir John Bristol is a prominent figure in society and represents the law and justice. His background is that of a wealthy and influential man who is determined to capture Tom Jordan and bring him to justice. His pursuit of the pirate adds a sense of urgency and danger to the story.

Anne Bonny

Anne Bonny's background is shrouded in mystery, but she is known as a fearless and skilled female pirate. Her reasons for joining Tom Jordan's crew are not explicitly stated, but her defiance of traditional gender roles and her reputation as a fierce fighter add depth to her character.

Character Arcs

Philip Marsham

Philip Marsham undergoes a significant character arc throughout the story. Initially, he is naive and yearning for adventure, but his experiences with the pirates and the guidance of Captain Alcock shape him into a more mature and responsible individual. He learns the consequences of his actions and develops a sense of loyalty and bravery.

Tom Jordan

While Tom Jordan does not experience a significant character arc, his actions and choices drive the plot and shape the development of other characters. His ruthless nature and greed lead to conflict and danger for Philip and the other crew members. Tom's ultimate downfall and capture by Sir John Bristol serve as a resolution to his antagonistic role.

Kit Bambridge

Kit Bambridge serves as a mentor and guide to Philip throughout the story. His character arc is not as pronounced as Philip's, but his experiences and wisdom contribute to Philip's growth. Kit's loyalty and camaraderie with Philip remain steadfast, and he serves as a reliable supporting character.

Jeremy Sparrow

Jeremy Sparrow's character arc is closely intertwined with Philip's. Initially timid and fearful, he gains confidence and resourcefulness as he navigates the challenges of being a pirate. Jeremy's loyalty and friendship with Philip provide support and encouragement throughout their shared experiences.

Captain Nathaniel Alcock

Captain Alcock acts as a mentor figure to Philip, guiding him on a path of redemption. While his character arc is not explicitly explored, his wisdom and guidance contribute to Philip's transformation. Captain Alcock serves as a symbol of morality and the path towards a better life.

Sir John Bristol

Sir John Bristol's character arc revolves around his pursuit of Tom Jordan. His determination and tenacity drive him to capture the pirate and bring him to justice. His unwavering pursuit provides a sense of resolution to the conflicts in the story.

Anne Bonny

Anne Bonny's character arc is not explicitly explored in the book. However, her presence challenges traditional gender roles and adds complexity to the dynamics within the pirate crew. Her fearless nature and skill in combat contribute to the overall atmosphere of danger and adventure.

Relationships

Philip Marsham and Kit Bambridge

Philip and Kit form a strong bond throughout the story. Kit becomes a mentor and guide to Philip, teaching him the ways of the sea and providing valuable advice. Their friendship and shared experiences create a sense of loyalty and camaraderie between them.

Philip Marsham and Jeremy Sparrow

Philip and Jeremy develop a close friendship as they face the challenges of being part of a pirate crew. They support and encourage each other, relying on their shared experiences to navigate the dangers they encounter.

Philip Marsham and Captain Nathaniel Alcock

Captain Alcock becomes a father figure and mentor to Philip. He guides him on a path of redemption and provides valuable advice and support. Philip looks up to Captain Alcock and respects his wisdom and experience.

Philip Marsham and Tom Jordan

Philip's relationship with Tom Jordan is one of conflict and danger. As the primary antagonist, Tom poses a constant threat to Philip's safety and well-being. Their interactions are characterized by fear, manipulation, and a struggle for power.

Philip Marsham and Anne Bonny

Philip and Anne Bonny's relationship is not as developed as some of the other character dynamics. Anne's presence adds a sense of danger and adventure, but their interactions are limited. She serves as a reminder of the risks and challenges Philip faces as a member of the pirate crew.

Sir John Bristol and Tom Jordan

Sir John Bristol's pursuit of Tom Jordan creates a tense and adversarial relationship between the two characters. Sir John's determination to capture the pirate drives the conflict and adds suspense to the story.

In "The Dark Frigate," the characters fulfill various roles, each contributing to the development of the plot and the protagonist's growth. The relationships between the characters, their backgrounds, and their character traits create a complex and engaging narrative. Through their interactions and character arcs, Charles Boardman Hawes crafts a compelling story of adventure, loyalty, and redemption.