Jim Hawkins is the novel’s primary narrator. He is the 17-year-old son of an innkeeper, however, his most important role is that of the cabin boy onboard the Hispaniola. Jim is at once honest and rebellious, loyal and intrepid. When he hears of the pirates’ planned mutiny, he is quick to tell the ship’s captain and doctor; however, shortly after Jim escapes the ship without permission. He performs a similar feat of independence and bravery later in the novel when he sneaks away from the stockade. Jim feels guilty about such acts of independent action, although in both cases his actions help secure the success of the honest men.

Over the course of the novel Jim develops from being a boy easily fooled by deceptive men such as Long John Silver to someone capable of recognizing and skillfully navigating deceit. Jim grows from his adventures alone both on the island and on the sea. He learns to navigate difficult-to-manage crafts and even kills a man in self-defense. Yet throughout all, Jim’s principle trait is his honesty. He keeps his promises even when given to dishonest pirates like Long John Silver.