The Mysterious Island
by Jules Verne
Five Union prisoners and a dog escape a Confederate prison in a hot-air balloon, only to crash-land on an uncharted volcanic island in the Pacific. Through their combined skills, especially the engineer Cyrus Harding's scientific knowledge, they transform the island into a thriving colony, facing dangers from wild animals and human villains, all while being subtly aided by an unknown, powerful benefactor.
Cyrus Harding
A first-class engineer and true Northerner from Massachusetts, about forty-five years of age, thin, bony, and lean with close-cut graying hair and a thick mustache. He has a finely developed head, piercing eyes, and a serious mouth. He possesses both strong mental powers and great manual dexterity, a man of action as well as thought. He is physically robust and tenacious, capable of undertaking and persevering even without hope.
Gideon Spilett
A reporter for the New York Herald, about forty years of age, tall, well-built, with light, reddish whiskers and a steady, lively eye accustomed to quickly taking in details. He is energetic, prompt, full of ideas, and inured to all climates, like a bar of steel. He is skilled with both pen and pencil (sketching).
Pencroft
A man about thirty-five or forty, strongly built, very sunburnt, with bright, sparkling eyes and a remarkably good-natured physiognomy. An American from the North, he has sailed all over the ocean and has a vast practical knowledge from diverse experiences.
Herbert Brown
A courageous, intelligent boy of fifteen from New Jersey, son of a former captain. He is light, active, with a keen aptitude for natural history and a quick understanding. He grows visibly during their time on the island, becoming more manly and robust.
Neb
Cyrus Harding’s freed slave, about thirty years old, vigorous, active, clever, intelligent, gentle, and calm. He is sometimes naive but always merry, obliging, and honest. His devotion to Harding is absolute, even after being freed. He's very strong physically.
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A magnificent Anglo-Norman dog, blending the swiftness of foot and acuteness of smell characteristic of coursing dogs. He is immensely loyal to Cyrus Harding and possesses an astonishing instinct and intelligence.
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