Major Characters of Robinson Crusoe
Robinson Crusoe, narrated in the first person, is dominated by the title character. The other major character, Friday, appears after two-thirds of the narrative has been told.
Robinson Crusoe: Robinson Crusoe is the protagonist and narrator of the novel. He is adventurous by nature. Against his father's "serious and excellent counsel," Crusoe embarks on the seafaring career that he feels will satisfy his "wandering inclination.” Crusoe is steady and plodding in everything he does, and his perseverance ensures his survival through storms, enslavement, and twenty-eight-year isolation on a desert island. He is full of resources. He is courageous and innovative. He possesses many admirable qualities. However, he has flaws too in his character. He seems incapable of deep feelings, as shown by his cold account of leaving his family-he worries about the religious consequences of disobeying his father, but never displays any emotion about leaving. Crusoe is nonetheless very interested in possessions, power, and prestige. He is very keen to establish his dominance over the island. He thinks of himself as the master of the island. In Crusoe, Defoe creates a complex character. Defoe gives us a fascinating glimpse into the successes, failures, and contradictions of modern man.
Friday: Friday is a native rescued by Crusoe; the young man eventually becomes his loyal servant. He is described by Crusoe as a Creole--a mix of African and Indian--and represents the wildness of nature. Through his relationship with Friday, Crusoe is able to confront his fear of the native people of the region. Friday never appears to resist or resent his new servitude, and he may sincerely view it as appropriate compensation for having his life saved. But whatever Friday's response may be, his servitude has become a symbol of imperialist oppression throughout the modern world. Friday's overall charisma works against the emotional deadness that many readers find in Crusoe. Eventually, Friday becomes Europeanised, accepting English customs and religious concepts. He symbolises the process of colonialisation.
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