Lord Jim: Analysis of Major Characters
"Lord Jim" is a novel by Joseph Conrad that explores themes of honor, courage, and the complexities of human nature through its major characters. The story revolves around Jim, a British seaman who grapples with his self-image after abandoning ship during a crisis, only to face the consequences of his actions throughout his life. Marlow, a sympathetic sea captain and the story's narrator, serves as both an observer and a commentator on Jim's struggles, highlighting their shared humanity. Other characters include Captain Brierly, a professional seaman whose suicide reflects his internal conflict, and Stein, a trader who offers Jim a chance for redemption on the island of Patusan.
Jim's interactions with the island's inhabitants, such as Doramin and his son Dain Waris, further complicate his journey, particularly when a fatal misjudgment leads to tragedy. The novel also introduces antagonistic figures like Gentleman Brown and Cornelius, who contribute to Jim's downfall. Meanwhile, characters like Jewel, Jim's native wife, struggle to comprehend his lofty ideals. Overall, "Lord Jim" presents a rich tapestry of characters that illuminate the themes of guilt, redemption, and the quest for identity in the face of moral ambiguity.
Lord Jim: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Joseph Conrad
First published: 1900
Genre: Novel
Locale: Ports and islands of the East
Plot: Psychological realism
Time: Late nineteenth century
Jim, a British seaman and chief mate of the Patna. When the ship seems to be sinking after striking a submerged derelict, he jumps into a lifeboat at the urging of his fellow officers, who have already abandoned the ship and her passengers. The Patna, however, does not sink; it is discovered by a French gunboat and towed to port. Jim and his three companions are sighted and brought to port separately. After the ensuing investigation, Jim spends the remainder of his life trying to regain his heroic conception of himself and to prove to men that it was not “he” who jumped. Finally, on the island of Patusan, he earns from the natives the title of “Lord Jim” and faces his death in a heroic manner.
Marlow, an intelligent sea captain and “insatiably curious psychological observer” who sympathizes with Jim and aids him. Narrating most of the story, he says Jim is “one of us,” meaning, perhaps, that he is neither maliciously evil nor excessively good.
Captain Brierly, the “unimpeachable professional seaman” and a nautical assessor at the inquiry into the desertion of the Patna. He identifies himself with Jim in some strange way. Awakened, perhaps, to humankind's vulnerability, he commits suicide on his next voyage.
The French Lieutenant, an unimaginatively brave man who stays aboard the Patna for thirty hours while she is being towed to port. He never thinks that he has been heroic.
Stein, a trader who is also a naturalist and a moral philosopher. He gives Jim a chance to have his dream of rehabilitation come true by making him the agent for his enterprises on the island of Patusan.
Chester, a loathsome creature who has been everything but a pirate. He offers Jim a job that would exile him on a guano island for life because, as he says, Jim “is no earthly good for anything else.” He mistakes Jim for one of his own kind.
Cornelius, the former unsuccessful agent for Stein on Patusan. He resents Jim and finally aids Brown in causing Jim's destruction.
Gentleman Brown, a renegade who with a cutthroat crew lands on Patusan to get supplies but remains to rob and plunder. In sympathy, not understanding Brown's deceit, Jim makes a pact with him. Brown's deception results in Jim's death.
Doramin, the leader of Patusan natives with whom Jim makes friends. When Doramin's son is killed because of Jim's misjudgment, Doramin is bound by honor to kill Jim.
Dain Waris, Doramin's son and Jim's friend, killed treacherously by Brown. By his error in judgment, Jim is responsible for his friend's death.
The Rajah, the ruler of the natives on Patusan; he unsuccessfully opposes Jim.
Tamb' Itam, the faithful servant of Jim on Patusan.
Kossim, the confidant of the Rajah.
Sherif Ali, a wandering stranger, an Arab half-breed, who invites tribes from the interior to form a third force on Patusan.
The Captain, the German skipper of the Patna, who abandoned his ship and its load of passengers without remorse.
The Chief Engineer, who swears that he saw the ship go down.
The Second Engineer, who also seems to have no remorse for abandoning the ship.
Captain O'Brien, a large, noisy old man who says that abandoning the Patna was a disgrace.
Captain Jones, the first mate serving under Captain Brierly. He finds it hard to explain Brierly's suicide, all the more because he did not like Brierly while the man was alive.
Captain Robinson, an old renegade who has done almost everything from opium smuggling to stealing. Chester takes him in on the guano deal because Robinson has some money.
Jewel, Jim's native wife on Patusan. She finds it difficult to understand his ideals.