Minor Characters
Tollie
Tollie is the third child of Fiela and Selling. After the removal of Benjamin and the death of Dawid, he becomes their only remaining son, but Fiela feels that he is already half gone due to his drinking. Tollie’s drinking ultimately leads to his imprisonment.
Kittie
Kittie is the first child of Fiela and Selling. She becomes a sister to Benjamin, and Fiela uses Kittie’s skill in reading and writing to compose an important letter to Benjamin near the end of the novel.
Mr. Kapp
Mr. Kapp is a forester who works for the magistrate to make sure that Elias and Barta are treating Benjamin well. Elias easily manipulates Mr. Kapp, hiding the fact that Benjamin has serious lash-wounds. Mr. Kapp’s failure to protect Benjamin highlights the shortcomings of bureaucracy.
Kies Laghaan
Years before the events of the main story take place, Kies Laghaan steals a sheep that belonged to Selling Komoetie, and in response, Selling stabs him to death. This sends Selling to prison and starts a rift between the Komoetie and Laghaan families.
Book
Book is a sailor who works for Mr. Benn and helps teach Benjamin some of the basics of rowing and life at sea.
Bet
Bet is the daughter of Aunt Malie. She at one point seems like she could be a potential wife for Benjamin, when everyone still believes he’s “Lukas.”
Aunt Gertie
Aunt Gertie lives in Barnard’s Island near Elias and Barta.
Hans Ouka
Hans Ouka gives Elias advice for how to hunt elephants.