Character Analysis: A Classicnote On Treasure Island

ClassicNote on Treasure Island

Table of Contents
Biography of Stevenson, Robert Louis (1850-1894)............................................................................................1
About Treasure Island...........................................................................................................................................3
Character List
.........................................................................................................................................................5
Jim Hawkins..............................................................................................................................................5
Mrs. Hawkins.............................................................................................................................................5
Livesey
From the moment that Dr. Livesey appears in Treasure Island, he is depicted as an arbitrator who is fair, intelligent, fearless, and well-organized. As he becomes involved in the treasure hunt, he also shows consideration and kindness to Jim, thus, becoming one of many surrogate parental figures to Jim in the course of the novel. Dr. Livesey is also a narrator of the novel (although only for a few chapters). These chapters are not nearly as colorful or as emotionally charged as the chapters that are narrated by the younger Jim. His descriptions further his characterizations as a scientist, who is most concerned with curing the sick (he repeatedly mentions the malaria present in the swamps). Dr. Livesy is also extremely concerned with fairness to all, as his concern about the pirates that they had to leave behind demonstrates.

Black Dog
A companion of Billy Bones, his arrival at the Admiral Benbow inn marks the beginning of violence at the inn and the notification to Bones that other pirates know of his whereabouts. Although he and Billy Bones are friendly, their meeting ends in a fight where Billy Bones is injured.
Pew foreshadows another side of Long John Silver, the side that is physically challenged but capable of extreme violence. At the end of part I, Pew is trampled by a horse because his friends abandon him.

Squire Trelawney
Squire Trealwney is the figure in the book who finacially underwrites and initiates the treasure hunt. Although he appears to be on top of things, he often makes mistakes and his hiring of Long John Silver and the mutineers tops the list of misjudgments and miscalculations which lead to the downfall of the journey. He is very naïve and trusting, and, thus, is constantly being duped. His best quality is his ability to shoot straight - throughout the novel, he is given the jobs that require the best shot because of his famous aim.

Captain Smollett
The commander of the Hispanolia is the antithesis of the squire, he is perceptive, smart, and scared of the dangers that lie before the journey, an attitude that proves correct. He demands obedience from those who serve under him and is in conflict with both Jim, who shows a rebellious nature against the authority figure, and the

Dr.