Kidnapped: Being Memoirs of the Adventures of David Balfour in the Year 1851: Analysis of Major Characters
"Kidnapped: Being Memoirs of the Adventures of David Balfour in the Year 1851" is a historical novel that follows the journey of a young orphan, David Balfour, as he seeks to connect with his estranged uncle, Ebenezer Balfour. Set against the backdrop of 18th-century Scotland, the story begins with David's hopeful departure from his home in Essendean, armed only with a letter of introduction to his uncle. His expectations quickly shatter when he discovers Ebenezer's cruel intentions, as his uncle orchestrates David's kidnapping to retain the family inheritance for himself.
Key characters include Ebenezer, depicted as a small, ugly man with a notorious reputation, and Elias Hoseason, the ship captain who aids in the plot. The narrative also introduces Alan Breck Stewart, a complex Scottish Highlander who becomes David's ally and protector during his perilous journey. Other significant figures include Mr. Rankeillor, a knowledgeable lawyer who assists David in claiming his rightful inheritance, and Mr. Campbell, a supportive minister who encourages David's quest. Throughout the novel, themes of adventure, betrayal, and resilience are explored as David navigates his way through treacherous circumstances in pursuit of his identity and familial ties.
Kidnapped: Being Memoirs of the Adventures of David Balfour in the Year 1851: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Robert Louis Stevenson
First published: 1886
Genre: Novel
Locale: Along the coast and amid the Highlands of Scotland
Plot: Adventure
Time: 1751
David Balfour, a boy in his late teens who has recently become an orphan. Having been left, as his inheritance, a letter of introduction addressed to his uncle, Ebenezer Balfour of Shaws, David decides to leave his home in Essendean in the hope that he can establish some type of relationship with his father's brother. David begins his journey with confident expectations and is somewhat taken aback when he finds that his uncle's home is in a general state of disrepair and that Ebenezer himself does not seem happy to see him. Nevertheless, David, as is his nature, soon recovers his optimistic outlook. He resolves to make the best of the situation. A short time after David's arrival at the House of Shaws, Ebenezer convinces him to join him in taking a trip to Queensferry, near the coast. It is there that David is taken aboard a ship called the Covenant. Once on deck, David quickly realizes that his uncle has abandoned him and that he has been kidnapped. When the Covenant strikes reefs along the coast, the ship sinks and David finds himself alone on a small island. In a state of despair, David nearly abandons his efforts to reach the mainland. His thoughts confused by frustration and anger, he fails to realize that he can leave the island easily at low tide. Finally, David recovers and is able to escape this predicament. He begins his return journey to the House of Shaws knowing that he must cross the wild Highlands of Scotland and reclaim his kinship as well as his inheritance.
Ebenezer Balfour, Esquire, of Shaws, David's uncle, an older man who inhabits the House of Shaws. He is a small, ugly man with a shabby appearance. Ebenezer has a poor reputation throughout the community and generally is considered to be cruel and untrustworthy. He arranges his nephew's kidnapping in an effort to keep David's portion of the family inheritance for himself.
Elias Hoseason, captain of the Covenant. He assists Ebenezer in the kidnapping of David. Hoseason is a large and powerfully built man who runs his ship with a firm hand. He often overlooks cruelty, and he seems to value the Covenant even more than the lives of his sailors.
Alan Breck Stewart, also called Mr. Thomson (a name given to him to protect his identity), a Scottish Highlander completely devoted to the people of his clan. Alan befriends David as a result of a mishap that occurs while the two are aboard the Covenant. He is a colorful character with an interesting past and an unusual sense of justice. As a deserter from the English Army, a soldier in the French Army, and a Jacobite, Alan has much to lose by guiding David on his journey through Scotland. His commitment to their friendship leads him to the conclusion that he must see David through his adventure.
Mr. Rankeillor, a lawyer in the town of Queensferry. He is a well-known and respected member of the community. Mr. Rankeillor is familiar with the arrangement between Ebenezer Balfour and Alexander Balfour, David's father. He is particularly interested in David's case. He explains the fine points, as he recalls them, to David and helps him claim his inheritance.
Mr. Campbell, the minister of Essendean, a good friend of David. He is a kindly older man who gives David advice regarding his future. He encourages David to introduce himself to his Uncle Ebenezer Balfour and gives him the letter from his father with which he can claim his kinship as well as his inheritance.
Mr. Riach, the second officer aboard the Covenant. He is a small man, in his late twenties or early thirties, who takes it upon himself to look after David while he is aboard the ship. Given to drink, he is unstable in his thinking. When a dispute arises, he ultimately shows loyalty to Captain Hoseason rather than to David.