Horatio Hornblower

Horatio Hornblower, born July 4, 1776, is the protagonist of the novel and is the central figure in virtually every scene in the narrative. The narrative is told from Hornblower's point of view. Hornblower, the son of a poor father, enters the Royal Navy in 1793 as a midshipman at the age of seventeen—several years beyond the average typical age of perhaps twelve. His first position is to HMS Justinian, a ship of the line which remains in harbor. Hornblower's duty station is miserable and he is tormented by another midshipman who is much older and larger. Hornblower determines his situation is untenable and seizes upon an insult to demand a duel. His captain secretly intervenes and Hornblower is spared harm and then assigned to HMS Indefatigable, a frigate frequently on detached service.

Hornblower serves aboard Indefatigable under Captain Pellew for about four years. He is a midshipman...