Billy Budd | Teaching Key Figures

Character Descriptions

This section provides a short description of all the major characters in the book. This can be printed out as a study guide for students, used as a "key" for leading a class discussion, or you can jump to the quiz/homework section to find worksheets that incorporate these descriptions into a variety of question formats.

Characters

The Afterguardsman - This character appears as a mysterious whispering figure on deck one warm night.

Beauty - This name represents the main character's physical attributes.

Board-Her-in-the-Smoke - This is an alternate name for the main character's confidant, reminiscent of a hazy entrance onto the ship.

Baby  Budd - A name which represents the main character's childlike youthfulness.

Billy Budd - This character represents innocence.

William Budd - A name which represents the main character's adult qualities.

The Chaplain - This character feels that innocence outweighs religion and therefore does not impose on...
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