By smartcubs Phileas Fogg is the central character in Jules Verne’s classic novel, “Around the World in Eighty Days.” He is a man of mystery, precision, and adventure, whose characteristics make him one of the most memorable protagonists in literature. This character sketch will provide an overview of Phileas Fogg’s characteristics, personality traits, and role in the story.
Introduction
Phileas Fogg is an English gentleman living in London. Known for his punctuality and routine, he surprises everyone by accepting a wager to travel around the world in eighty days. His journey is marked by remarkable calmness, resourcefulness, and a sense of duty, which define his character throughout the novel.
Physical Appearance
- Elegant and Well-Dressed: Phileas Fogg is always impeccably dressed, reflecting his status as a gentleman. He prefers simple but high-quality clothing.
- Calm and Composed: His demeanor is consistently calm and composed, with a stoic expression that rarely changes, even in the face of danger or uncertainty.
Personality Traits
- Punctual: Fogg is renowned for his punctuality. He lives his life by the clock, maintaining a strict daily routine.
- Reserved: He is a man of few words, preferring to speak only when necessary. His reserved nature adds to the air of mystery surrounding him.
- Determined: Once he sets his mind on something, Fogg is incredibly determined. This determination drives him to take on the challenge of circumnavigating the globe.
Key Incidents
- Accepting the Wager: The story begins with Fogg accepting a wager at the Reform Club to travel around the world in eighty days. This bet sets the entire adventure in motion.
- Rescuing Aouda: During his travels, Fogg rescues a young Indian woman named Aouda from a dangerous situation, showing his bravery and compassion.
Behavior and Attitudes
- Calm Under Pressure: Fogg remains calm and unflustered in all situations. Whether facing delays, obstacles, or attacks, he never loses his composure.
- Generous: Despite his reserved nature, Fogg shows generosity, particularly in his treatment of Aouda and his servant, Passepartout.
- Resourceful: Fogg’s resourcefulness is evident throughout the journey. He finds solutions to unexpected problems and adapts to changing circumstances with ease.
Emotional Traits
- Unemotional Exterior: Fogg’s unemotional exterior hides his deeper feelings. He rarely expresses his emotions openly, maintaining a stoic façade.
- Loyal: He is loyal to those who earn his trust, particularly his servant, Passepartout, and Aouda. This loyalty is reciprocated, especially in moments of crisis.
Transformation
- Personal Growth: Throughout the journey, Fogg undergoes subtle personal growth. His interactions with Aouda and Passepartout reveal a more compassionate and caring side of him.
- Finding Love: By the end of the novel, Fogg finds love with Aouda, indicating a significant emotional transformation from the beginning of the story.
Final Traits
- Victorious: Despite numerous challenges, Fogg completes his journey around the world in eighty days, winning the wager and proving his doubters wrong.
- Humble: Even after winning the bet, Fogg remains humble and modest, displaying his true gentlemanly qualities.
Relationships
- With Passepartout: Fogg’s relationship with his servant Passepartout is one of mutual respect and loyalty. Passepartout’s loyalty and bravery are matched by Fogg’s fairness and generosity.
- With Aouda: Fogg’s relationship with Aouda evolves from one of rescue to mutual affection and love. His willingness to protect and care for her highlights his compassionate nature.
Lessons Learned
- Importance of Determination: Fogg’s journey demonstrates the importance of determination and perseverance in achieving one’s goals.
- Value of Relationships: His evolving relationships with Passepartout and Aouda show that even the most reserved individuals can form deep and meaningful connections.
Phileas Fogg’s character in “Around the World in Eighty Days” exemplifies the virtues of determination, resourcefulness, and compassion. His journey around the world is not just a physical adventure but also a path to personal growth and emotional transformation.