Captain Jack Aubrey

Captain Jack Aubrey is the seasoned captain of two ships, the Surprise and the Worcester. Both were eventually retired from the Navy, but despite its condition and age, Aubrey's favorite sailing vessel was always the Surprise. Aubrey sailed all over the Mediterranean Sea in the Surprise and conducted many strategic operations for the Navy. Despite Aubrey's many voyages and his loyalty to the crown, further promotion in the Navy continued to allude him. This was a constant source of frustration for Aubrey.

Captain Aubrey was married to a woman named Sophie, but they lived apart because his profession required it. Although he longed for a woman's companionship, he was largely faithful to her. Included in the text of the novel is a multi-page letter he wrote to Sophie from his cabin. Upon receiving his pay, Aubrey immediately remits a large sum to her which indicates that...