People

Part of the interest of the books of W. E. Johns lies in the wide variety of people the reader encounters. Johns inserted characters from around the world, from all races, religions, and backgrounds. Some only have nicknames like the Viper. Others have names and titles which take up almost a whole line, like the Principessa Marietta Loretto de Palma. Sometimes even a minor character is given a full page of description in one of Johns' skilfully crafted word pictures. At other times, even a major character is hardly described. Johns was not consistent as to who he would assign a name, or a full name to. In some stories, a minor character without a speaking part might get a first name or even a full name. Elsewhere, a major character with a significant amount of action and dialogue might not even get a name. Very occasionally, a real-life historical person would make an appearance and even get a speaking part.