Scar Island

Colin is the voice of reason in the group of boys. He talks with a lisp and is the smallest, but his intellect stands above most of the other boys. When Jonathan and Sebastian promote the idea of staying on the island and not telling authorities about the adults’ deaths, Colin opposes the scheme, saying “Thith ith crathy [This is crazy] [...] You’re all nuth [nuts]” (62). Colin also opposes Sebastian’s authoritarianism. When Sebastian declares himself dictator, Colin proposes that the boys hold an election to determine the leader. Colin points out that the boys need to watch how much they eat to keep from running out of food before the supply boat arrives. In addition, he voices opposition to Sebastian’s adoption of the Admiral’s draconian punishment methods. When Sebastian sentences a boy to eight minutes on the Sinner’s Sorrow for stealing chocolates, Colin protests that the boys didn’t vote on punishments.

Considering that Colin values fairness and democratic methods, it is surprising that his one character flaw is stealing things. He admits to being a kleptomaniac, which is the reason he was sent to the reformatory. However, his talents as “a thneaky thief” (39) have their benefits. For example, when Jonathan is unfairly denied breakfast after going hungry for a full day after his arrival at the school, Colin comes to his rescue by giving Jonathan his oatmeal and stealing food for himself.

Colin is sensitive and creative. He creates origami birds and other figures, which he leaves as calling cards when he goes into hiding. He is supportive and helpful to Jonathan as he struggles with guilt over his sister’s death.

The Admiral is a classic authoritarian figure. He demands absolute obedience from the boys and does not allow them any personal freedom. He justifies his approach by his belief that strict discipline is the only way to reform the wayward youths and turn them into decent citizens. The Admiral refers to the boys as “disgusting little scabs” (44). He blames society’s softness and excessive tolerance for the boys’ delinquency. Therefore, he shuns educational activities and favors pounding a work ethic into the boys with hard labor.

Even when the boys work hard and prepare a lavish breakfast, the Admiral does not allow them to eat any of it. The comic, over-the-top aspects of his character include his sitting at his desk eating chocolates and drinking brandy in front of the boys. Ironically, indulging in a sugary treat and drinking alcohol in front of the boys seems the opposite of rigid self-discipline. The sword he brandishes while delivering ranting speeches and his ridiculous hat complete his buffoonish portrayal.

Sebastian exhibits traits of a classic bully. His bullying instincts are apparent even before he declares himself dictator of the group. When Jonathan first arrives at the reformatory and is ravenously hungry from going a whole day without food, Sebastian prevents him from getting breakfast: “No breakfast for the new kid. He didn’t do a thing to help clean up” (38).

Sebastian also possesses charisma that sways boys to his side. For example, he shows off his oratory skills in the speech when he declares himself the leader. His appeal to the boys’ desire for freedom in the wake of the Admiral’s brutal discipline is effective demagoguery. By advocating anarchism, he disguises his authoritarianism, at least for a time.

Furthermore, the Scar Island speech cleverly creates a new identity for the boys that they can embrace. It is not until the end of the story that the reader learns about Sebastian’s emotional scar: He is an orphan who never had any parents or a home of his own. This revelation explains his bullying behavior and desire to force the boys to stay on the island.