Cоntents intrоductiоn chapter I. Life and work of Jonathan Swift

Major Characters Robinson Crusoe

1. 
   Robinson Crusoe: Robinson Crusoe is the protagonist of the novel and demonstrates character traits that make him worthy of praise as the hero of the story. His persistence against his father’s advice of not leaving home for his voyages, his perseverance in building a boat and domesticate animals, and his hard work of teaching Friday and sharing The Gospel and English education set him apart in the list of heroes used in the stories of those times. In this connection, Robinson not only shows his resourcefulness but also his intelligence in that he is able to survive on the island and cultivate nature to assist him to leave the island that he ultimately does. His intelligence is also evidenced in his act of investing in the Brazil plantation and saving his life when he is on the boat. However, his character is not without flaws; he is, in a sense, incentivizing colonialism. Despite this, his generosity of giving gifts to his family and others, his assistance to humanity, and his concern for human beings are praiseworthy qualities that win him the love of his family and friends.
   
2. 
   Friday: Friday is the second significant character of Robinson Crusoe, who appears on the scene when Robinson saves him on the island from becoming a victim of the cannibals. However, it proves that he is inferior to him in physical use of power and also in intelligence. Robinson teaches him English language and introduces Christianity. Friday finally becomes his student, as Robinson also trains him to domesticate parrots and goats. Friday also provides solace to Robinson Crusoe in the torturing and trying isolation of the island and proves himself a comrade for him to assist him when he needs him the most. The appeal of his personality lies in the exotic attraction that he exudes for Crusoe when expressing his love for the English man.
   
3. 
   Portuguese Captain: The Captain saves Crusoe from the bloodthirsty Moors and permits him to board his ship to go to Brazil. Robinson Crusoe, in his turn, establishes himself as the owner of the plantation over there, becoming a rich man. The second time he comes into contact with Robinson is when he returns home and the captain ensures him the safety of his plantation in Brazil and Captain arranges to sell at a hefty profit and brings money to him. His timely and appropriate assistance to Robinson wins him laurels from the readers also which is suggestive of his being a tool for the entrepreneur spirit. His coincidental appearance for the second time in the novel suggests the role of providence in the course of the novel as a miracle where human beings seem looking toward God for divine assistance in mundane matters. His morally upright position in conducting safe deals for Robinson wins him the admiration of the readers.
   
4. 
   The English Captain: The English Captain is testimony to the Englishness of Robinson Crusoe when Robinson saves his life on the island. The captain promises to rescue Robinson to take him back. Both of them fight against the mutineers to wrest the ship from their possession and help each other to return to the crew/civilization. The meeting of both the English men also testifies to better ingenuity and education.
   
5. 
   The Spaniard: The Spaniard is saved by Robinson from becoming a likely victim of the cannibals after his ship was wrecked near the island where Robinson has been living. He becomes compliant to Crusoe, considering him the owner of the island, and works for him until he and Crusoe both leave the island for good.
   
6. 
   Xury: Xury lies is also a non-white character who becomes Robinson’s friend when both of them join hands with slaves to escape Sallee island in a boat when others flee but they stay on the boat. Robinson, however, sells this pliant boy to the Portuguese captain, showing the English mentality of occupying human beings and humanity of that time.
   
7. 
   Robinson Crusoe’s Wife: Robinson Crusoe’s wife lives a respectable life in England with their children. However, when she departs from the scene after her death, he again takes to his addiction to voyaging and leaves England, showing the power of femininity of settling down the patriarchal wayward spirit.
   
8. 
   The Widow: A widow is an honest person who keeps Robinson’s 200 pounds safe when he travels around the world and continues for more than three decades. Her goodwill extends to Robinson Crusoe when he returns and gets back his money.
   
9. 
   Will Atkins: Will Atkins is known for his rebellion against the English captain who later refuses to forgive him due to his severity toward him during the mutiny. However, Robinson leaves him on the island to save his life.
   
10. 
    Robinson Crusoe’s Nephews and Sisters: Robinson’s family members, his two sisters, and nephews are minor and known for his familial relations. He brings them up with English traditions, making one of them a sailor and the other a good gentleman.