MAIN CHARACTERS

THE SUNKERS

SHARKEY   

a seemingly heroic boy, born on a lucky tide and destined to be admiral one day

GILLY, PODDY, AND CUTTLE   

Sharkey’s young cousins and greatest admirers

ADMIRAL DEEPS   

a woman who will do anything to protect her people

THE OYSTERS

PETREL   

who used to be Nothing Girl, but is now a valued member of the crew

FIN   

an ex-Initiate of the Devouts, and Petrel’s best friend

THE CAPTAIN   

a mechanical boy with a mind full of wonders

MISTER SMOKE   

a rat, and a law unto himself

MISSUS SLINK   

another rat, with a talent for stitching wounds

DOLPH, Third Officer   

a girl trying to live up to her late mam’s reputation

KRILL, Head Cook   

a huge man whose gruffness is all on the surface

SQUID, Krill’s daughter   

a young woman with quick wits and a kind heart

ALBIE, Chief Engineer   

a cunning, vicious-tempered man, and Petrel’s uncle

SKUA, Albie’s son   

a bully, but not as dangerous as his da

OTHERS

BROTHER THRAWN   

the wounded leader of the fanatical Anti-Machinists known as the Devouts

BROTHER POOSK   

a nondescript man disliked by his fellows

RAIN   

a timid girl, and Brother Poosk’s niece

BRAN   

an Initiate of the Devouts, and Rain’s little brother