The Pilot: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Pilot: Analysis of Major Characters" delves into the intricate dynamics and motivations of key figures during a tumultuous period of American history, particularly during the Revolutionary War. Central to the narrative is Mr. Gray, the enigmatic pilot who aids American rebels after being betrayed by Britain. His journey is marked by personal sacrifices, a romantic past with Alice Dunscombe, and a decisive role in pivotal battles against British forces. The character of Lieutenant Richard Barnstable embodies reckless bravery, culminating in his marriage to Katherine Plowden, a spirited woman who openly supports the rebel cause.
Edward Griffith serves as a contrasting figure, combining boldness with a sense of duty, ultimately marrying Cecilia Howard, who navigates her loyalties amidst familial ties to a loyalist. Colonel Howard, an embittered Tory, grapples with his conflicting feelings toward the rebels, while Christopher Dillon, a self-serving kinsman, embodies treachery and ambition. Other characters, such as Long Tom Coffin and the spirited Mr. Merry, provide a sense of camaraderie and resourcefulness amidst the chaos. The narrative intricately weaves these characters' arcs together, highlighting their struggles, loyalties, and evolving relationships in a time of conflict.
The Pilot: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: James Fenimore Cooper
First published: 1823
Genre: Novel
Locale: The northeastern coast of England
Plot: Historical
Time: The Revolutionary War
Mr. Gray, the pilot, presumably the alias of John Paul Jones, who, betrayed by his native Britain, supports the cause of the American rebels. Picked up by an American frigate off the hazardous northeast coast of England, he gives immediate assistance by guiding the ship through the shoals during a gale. The member of a landing party dispatched to raid the homes of the gentry and to bring off political prisoners, Mr. Gray is captured and imprisoned at St. Ruth's Abbey. There, he has an unexpected visitor, an old love, Alice Dunscombe. After his escape from an intoxicated British officer he rejoins the main body of raiders and narrowly misses being captured again. In the end, he proves decisive in freeing his comrades, saving the frigate in a running fight against three enemy ships, and sailing it out of the shoals on a course toward Holland and safety. Surrounded by mystery and motivated by glory, he leaves Alice Dunscombe forever.
Lieutenant Richard Barnstable, the reckless officer of the schooner Ariel and the suitor of Katherine Plowden, the ward of an American loyalist, Colonel Howard. In a romantic attempt to kidnap her, he is caught but escapes a short time later. Returning to his ship, he captures the English cutter Alacrity. His own ship is wrecked during a storm. After he assists in the rescue of his comrades from Colonel Howard's home, he and Katherine are married aboard the American frigate.
Edward Griffith, the bold yet sensible first lieutenant of the frigate, Barnstable's friend, and the suitor of Cecilia Howard, one of Colonel Howard's nieces. As the leader of the raiding party sent ashore from the frigate, he is twice captured, twice rescued, and finally married to his love. Throughout, his pride is piqued by Mr. Gray's assumptions of authority, but he comes to respect the mysterious pilot.
Colonel Howard, an exiled American Tory living in England. Wealthy and embittered, he recognizes the gallantry of the rebels but despises their purposes. After being taken from his home, St. Ruth's Abbey, as a political prisoner, he is mortally wounded during a naval engagement at sea. He dies after blessing the marriages of Katherine Plowden and Cecilia Howard.
Christopher Dillon, called Kit, Cecilia Howard's unsuccessful suitor, the self-seeking kinsman of Colonel Howard. Residing with Howard in England and hoping to inherit his property, he is unscrupulous in his attempts to thwart the raiders. After being captured aboard the Alacrity and offered as a hostage in exchange for Edward Griffith, he leads Tom Coffin into a trap. Recaptured, he drowns during the storm in which the Ariel is wrecked.
Long Tom Coffin, the weather-beaten, stout-hearted cockswain of the Ariel. Instrumental in the capture of the Alacrity, he proves more than equal to Dillon's scheming. When the Ariel is wrecked, he chooses to go down with the disabled schooner.
Katherine Plowden, Colonel Howard's ward and niece, courted by Lieutenant Barnstable. Vivacious and outspoken, she overtly sympathizes with the rebel cause. She is taken aboard the American frigate by the raiding party, and she and Barnstable are married.
Cecilia Howard, called Cicely, Colonel Howard's niece and Edward Griffith's love. More restrained than Katherine Plowden, she hesitates to offend her uncle, although she tacitly sympathizes with the rebels. She and Griffith are married after she has been taken aboard the American frigate.
Alice Dunscombe, Cecilia's companion and the former sweetheart of Mr. Gray. Because of her loyalist convictions, she cannot accept him, yet she wishes him well. She remains unmarried.
Mr. Merry, the spirited young midshipman of the Ariel.The skilled and resourceful cousin of Katherine and Cecilia, he poses as a peddler in order to get into the abbey with a message for the girls.
Captain Borroughcliffe, a clever, proud, hard-drinking British officer. Outwitted by the Americans, he challenges the American Marine captain to a duel and loses his leg. Eventually, the two become good friends.
Captain Manual, an officer of the Marine Corps and the leader of the raiding party. A tough, able soldier, he, with Edward Griffith, is twice captured by Captain Borroughcliffe.
Captain Munson, the commanding officer of the American frigate sent to harass British waters. During the fight at sea, he is killed by a broadside from an English ship.
David Boltrope, the hardy sailing master of the American frigate, who speaks in nautical tropes. He is shot in the engagement between the frigate and three British ships.
Jack Joker, a lugubrious, rather sadistic sailor aboard the frigate.
The Ship's Chaplain, who performs the two marriages after Colonel Howard has given his nieces his blessing.
Cornet Fitzgerald, a British officer.