Foil

Character Role Analysis

Captain Nemo, Ned Land

We've said it before, but we'll say it again. Nemo is a man of action, while Aronnax one of inaction. Both observe things, sure. Both have a scientific streak. But Nemo builds things, calls the shots, gets his hands dirty, and, occasionally, bloody. Aronnax only dirties his hands with pen ink.

Ned Land serves as another foil to our dear(ly misguided) Aronnax. Aronnax is a man who studies the sea; Ned fishes it. Land is also a kind of foil for Conseil (who is basically a chip off the ol' master's block); Conseil can classify fish by their scientific names, while Land only recognizes 'em by how they taste.