The ‘Maggie’

Captain of the Maggie, a resourceful and roguish leader who is deeply committed to keeping his aging puffer afloat. He navigates a difficult moral landscape—balancing his crew’s loyalty, the ship’s needs, and the mounting pressure from Marshall. His quick thinking and stubborn independence drive much of the voyage’s tension and eventual salvation of the vessel.

A wealthy American industrialist and self-made man whose initial aggressiveness and determination set the chase in motion. He embodies a clash between wealth and human connection, gradually softened by the crew’s loyalty and the ship’s steadfast spirit. His actions—attempting to buy the Maggie and later choosing to jettison the cargo—reveal his evolving priorities and personal growth.

A loyal and perceptive youngster whose unwavering support for the captain anchors the crew during crises. Doogie’s wit and bravery surface when he uses a folding table to subdue Marshall, underscoring a moment of youthful courage amid adult stakes. His interactions hint at a close, almost familial bond aboard the Maggie.

An Englishman in need of transport for personal items who triggers the pursuit when Marshall learns the truth. Pusey’s scheming nature leads to his brief jail stint for poaching-related misadventures, illustrating how a small deception can escalate into a larger conflict on a working vessel.