The Master of Ballantrae: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Master of Ballantrae" is a novel by Robert Louis Stevenson that intricately explores the complex relationships between its major characters, notably the two brothers, James and Henry Durie. James, initially reported dead after the Battle of Culloden, escapes and leads a tumultuous life filled with adventure, deception, and conflict, ultimately returning to haunt his brother Henry, who becomes the heir to their family estate, Durrisdeer. The narrative is further complicated by their father, Lord Durrisdeer, whose strategic decisions during the Stuart uprising set the stage for the brothers' rivalry.
Alison Graeme, a wealthy relative initially betrothed to James, marries Henry after believing James to be dead, though her lingering affections for him create tension. The story is narrated primarily by Ephraim Mackellar, who provides insight into the brothers' tumultuous relationship and the ensuing drama. Additionally, characters such as Secundra Dass, James's servant from India, play pivotal roles in the plot, particularly in a dramatic twist involving James's supposed death and resurrection. Themes of loyalty, betrayal, and familial conflict resonate throughout the narrative, making it a rich study of character dynamics and moral ambiguity. Readers interested in character-driven stories with historical underpinnings will find "The Master of Ballantrae" a compelling exploration of these themes.
The Master of Ballantrae: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Robert Louis Stevenson
First published: 1889
Genre: Novel
Locale: Scotland, India, France, and America
Plot: Adventure
Time: Mid-eighteenth century
James Durie, the master of Ballantrae. Reported dead after the Battle of Culloden, he escapes to America, then goes to France, where he makes heavy financial demands on his brother Henry, now the heir to Durrisdeer, over a period of seven years. As Mr. Bally, James returns to Scotland, where he and Henry fight a duel. James apparently is killed, though his body disappears. Severely wounded, he is rescued by smugglers and taken to India, where he makes a fortune and acquires a native servant, Secundra Dass. When James again returns to Durrisdeer, Henry and his family flee to New York but are followed by James. In America, Henry decides to get rid of his evil brother permanently, but Secundra Dass overhears plans for James's murder and shortly thereafter reports that his master has died. Henry, determined to satisfy himself that James is really dead, comes upon his brother's grave just as Secundra Dass is exhuming James, who has not died but has been placed in a state of suspended animation by Secundra Dass as a means of tricking Henry. When Henry sees his brother's eyes flutter open after a week underground, he drops dead of shock. Despite many hours of strenuous effort, Secundra Dass is unable to revive James fully because of the cold temperature; at last, the brothers, deadly enemies, are buried in the same grave.
Henry Durie, James's younger brother, who remains at Durrisdeer. After James's reported death, Henry, now the heir, marries Alison. Plagued almost constantly by his very much alive brother James, Henry finally flees to America with his family, but his relentless brother pursues him. Hated and hating, the two brothers, after a macabre graveside scene, are placed in the same grave in the remote American wilderness.
Lord Durrisdeer, the father of James and Henry. A canny Scot, he protects his estate by having one son on each side in the Stuart uprising.
Alison Graeme, a wealthy relative betrothed to James. After the report of his death, she marries Henry, though she still loves James. When James returns to Durrisdeer for the first time, Alison seems to prefer his company to that of her husband.
Ephraim Mackellar, the factor of Durrisdeer, loyal to Henry. He narrates most of the story.
Colonel Francis Burke, who first brings word that James is alive and in France. James demands that money be sent to him.
Captain Teach, a pirate who captures James and Burke, and whose treasure James steals.
Jacob Chew, an Indian trader of New York with whom James makes a wilderness expedition.
Secundra Dass, a servant acquired by James in India. He returns to Scotland with James, then accompanies his master to America. Attempting to trick Henry, he places James in a state of suspended animation, then is unable to revive him.