In the Heart of the Sea: The Tragedy of the Whaleship Essex | 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

Captain George Pollard - This person had been the first mate on the Essex's previous journey. In 1819, this character was promoted to Captain.

Owen Chase - This person was the first mate aboard the Essex and part of several disastrous decisions, including convincing the Captain to sail towards South America, rather than an easier journey toward the Society Islands.

Thomas Nickerson - This person served as the cabin boy, was fourteen when the Essex sailed from Nantucket, and was one of three in his boat to survive after the ship sank.