Minor Characters
Editor
The anonymous character who introduces Robinson's story in the preface as if it is a true account of a real man's adventures.
Crusoe's Parents
Robinson's parents promise him a comfortable, middle-class life in England and advise him not to seek his fortunes as a sailor. Robinson disregards their advice and by the time he finally returns to England, both his parents are deceased.
Crusoe's Friend
Robinson's friend encourages him to join a London-bound boat early in the novel. He is the catalyst who spurs Robinson to finally break free from his home and parents.
The Shipmaster
The master of the first ship Robinson joins. After his ship is wrecked in a terrible storm, he advises Robinson to turn back and go home. Instead, Robinson continues to London and joins another vessel.
The Captain of the Guinea Vessel
The kind captain who leads Robinson on his one successful voyage to Africa. He dies after they return, though, leaving Robinson to join the boat again under a new captain.
The Captain's Widow
The wife of the Guinea Vessel's captain, with whom Robinson leaves some of his money before voyaging to Africa for a second time. At the end of the novel, Robinson sees her again and thanks her by giving her a large amount of money.
The Turkish Pirate Captain
The captain of the Turkish pirates who capture Robinson on his way to Africa. The captain takes Robinson as his personal slave.
Ismael
A man who is sent with Robinson and Xury on the fishing boat from Sallee. Robinson tricks Ismael into going far out to sea, where he pushes him overboard so that he can escape.
Wells
Robinson's neighbor in Brazil, and a man of English descent. Wells is one of Robinson's few friends when he feels lonely on his plantation.
The Captain's Mate
The English captain's mate, who is left on the shore with him as a prisoner. He helps the captain take his ship back and kills the mutineers' captain, getting wounded in the process.
The Guide
While journeying to England from Lisbon by land, Robinson finds a guide to help direct his group across the Pyrenees, from Spain into France. The guide takes them by a route that ends up being dangerously filled with hungry wolves—one last mistake on Robinson's journey.
Captain of the ship from Brazil
The captain of the slave-trading ship that Robinson joins in a voyage to brings slaves from Africa to Brazil. The ship sinks, leading to Robinson being shipwrecked on the island.