Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea

Conseil is Professor Aronnax’s loyal servant who will do anything for his master, including putting Professor Aronnax’s life above his own. He is a 30-year-old “Flemish boy” (9), who for 10 years has accompanied Professor Aronnax on his journeys, helping him with his research. Professor Aronnax describes Conseil as “quick with his hands” (10), in excellent health, and always obliging. His only fault, according to Professor Aronnax, is that he is “ceremonious to a degree” (10) and will only ever address Professor Aronnax as “master.” Aboard the Nautilus, Conseil helps to save Professor Aronnax’s life more than once, building a lasting friendship between the two men.

Ned Land is a Canadian harpooner who knows “no equal in his dangerous occupation” (13). He is 40 years old with a tall stature, strong build, and passionate temperament, especially when challenged. He is reserved and serious, but attracts attention with his “boldness of look” (14). Ned forms an immediate friendship with Professor Aronnax on board the Abraham Lincoln that grows stronger during their captivity on the Nautilus, even though Ned has little interest in marine fauna besides his ever-present passion for hunting. Ned’s desire for personal liberty is more pronounced than that of Professor Aronnax or Conseil, and he is the most aggressive about planning their escape from the Nautilus, often declaring that he is ready to die rather than remain imprisoned. Ned’s last name is a strong indicator of his yearning to escape underwater life.

Captain Nemo is the commander of the Nautilus. He is self-confident, energetic, and courageous, while also possessing a calm demeanor that masks a “highly nervous temperament” (33). His age is unclear and could range, according to Professor Aronnax, from 35 to 50. He is tall with a “straight nose” and “beautiful teeth” (33). His eyes are set widely apart, which allows his range of vision across the horizon to be particularly acute. Captain Nemo’s character is mysterious, along with his past. His rejection of humanity has driven him to an isolated life at sea, almost completely devoid of human contact save for his crew, Professor Aronnax, Ned, and Conseil. Despite his cynicism toward humankind, he is generous toward the oppressed peoples of the world, and passionate about scientific knowledge, innovation, and discovery. The Nautilus is the most technologically advanced ship in the world, which Captain Nemo uses to push the boundaries of what’s possible, often despite the moral implications. His desire for knowledge is gradually eclipsed over the course of the book by his desire for revenge for the destruction of his family.