Reap the Wild Wind

A seasoned captain who rescues Loxi's crew after a wreck and fences with rival King Cutler. He agrees to sabotage his own ship to secure command, driven by ambition and skill at maneuvering dangerous politics. His arc ends in tragedy as the Southern Cross sinks, leaving his fate and loyalties in question until the final confrontations.

A fearless marine salvager who runs her late father's business and uses wit and charm to advance Jack's standing. She blurs lines between business and romance, orchestrating moves to secure a captain's position for Jack. Her loyalty to crew and lover is tested by dangerous schemes and shifting alliances.

A ruthless rival salvager who may have engineered wrecks to profit from cargo prices. He embodies the calculated, dangerous influence behind the piracy-like plots that unsettles the Keys. His conflicts with Jack drive much of the film's tension and ultimate confrontation.

Runs the sailing ship line and becomes involved with Loxi, drawn by attraction and professional rivalry. He returns to Key West to expose Jack’s true motives and eventually pursues control of the shipping line after his boss's death. His alliance with Loxi reshapes the power balance in the Keys.

Loxi's cousin who schemes to be near her lover and to influence events from Havana, ultimately meeting a tragic end as she stows away and drowns with the wreck. She embodies the danger of clandestine passion and ambition abroad.

King Cutler's brother who seeks to expose or manipulate the truth about the wrecks; his actions escalate the political stakes. He is ultimately killed in a confrontation that reveals the depth of family feud and its consequences.

A naval captain figure who helps control the flow of salvage and trade in the Key West network, acting as a supporting authority amid the competing schemes. He represents the official power in a lawless maritime frontier.