Treasure Island Character Analysis Essay

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Stefany Alspaugh 9/15/15 2nd Hr Book Report Part 2 A minor character adds a lot of depth to a novel, they are usually the protagonist’s closest companion who plays a larger role than the reader can recognize. The main minor character in Treasure Island is Dr. Livesey, a very trustworthy and honorable man. Jim Hawkins puts his trust in him by handing over the map and information about the treasure to Dr. Livesey. “‘Here it is sir,’ said I, and gave him the oilskin packet. The doctor looked it all over, as if his fingers were itching to open it; but instead of doing that, he put it quietly in the pocket of his coat” (Stevenson, 44). In an earlier part of the novel, Jim was nearly attacked by men for the …show more content…

Livesey devises the crafty plan of stalling the pirates by sending Ben Gunn to give the imitations of their dead leader, Captain Flint. He also comes up with the plan of sending the pirates on the chase to find the treasure. Livesey is not afraid of some action and bravely fires at the pirates at the site where the treasure is burried. He is willing to do the honorable thing, like providing medical attention to the wounded pirates, who are his enemies. He speaks tenderly to them and seems genuinely to care for their health. More than Captain Smollett or the naïve Squire Trelawney, Livesey represents the best of the civilized world of men. Despite his great achievements in the journey, however, Dr. Livesey is not very charismatic toward anyone. He does what is reasonable, practical, and ethical, in thought, but never acts spontaneously, as the pirates and Jim do constantly. Livesey thinks up the ingenious plans for the group, but only puts them into action if they are safe and foolproof. He gives the pirates the treasure map only when he knows it is useless to them. On the whole journey, Livesey never risks anything major, and therefore Jim sees him as a good and respectable

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