The Sea-Wolf Characters & Character Analysis

The Sea-Wolf Characters

Humphrey "Hump" Van Weyden

Humphrey Van Weyden is the narrator, principle character and primary protagonist of the novel. He is known throughout by several appellations. Hump, Mr. Van Weyden and Humphrey are all used, although Hump is the most common. Hump was born around 1858 and is thirty-five years old when the events described in the novel take place. He spent his entire childhood and adolescence involved in scholarly education and eschewed any sports or other physical activities. His extremely frail physique and total lack of boyishness earned him the nickname "Sissy," which persisted well into his adult life. Peculiarly, Hump does not particularly dislike the appellation and applies it to himself several times throughout the novel. Hump is exceptionally affluent and apparently has many tens of thousands of dollars at his ready disposal, although in the novel this proves entirely meaningless. As a gentleman of means, Hump has never worked in his life....
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