Captain Jack Aubrey (Master and Commander)

Jack Aubrey is a fine, but controversial British Navy officer. He is handsome but with a weight problem, sometimes tending towards obesity. He has a tendency to over-eat and also sometimes drinks too much, making him a frequent candidate for Dr. Maturin's medical assistance.

When promoted to Master and Commander of the Sophie, a small, but powerful warship, Aubrey turns the formerly Spanish brig into a conspicuous, prize-collecting machine for the British Admiralty. His background is so pock-marked with episodes of disobedience and rebellion so much so that even a potential ally, Lord Keith, argues he will never make post-captain, the next and most necessary upgrade on the high road to the Admiralty itself.

As an officer, Jack is patriotic but very ambitious, when it comes to prize money and promotion. Through his youthful indiscretions, with women and with drink, he knows the...