Nicholas Chase, a young man with a dream of discovery, and an inherited love of the sea.

Chauncey Gale, a merry millionaire, with a willingness to back his judgment.

Edith Gale, his daughter, a girl with accomplishments and ideas.

Zar, colored maid and former nurse of Edith Gale. A woman with no “fool notions” about the South Pole.

Ferratoni, an Italian electrician with wireless communication, and subtle psychic theories.

Captain Joseph Biffer, Master of the Billowcrest. An old salt, with little respect for wild expeditions.

Terence Larkins, First Officer of the Billowcrest, with a disregard of facts.

Mr. Emory, Second Officer of the Billowcrest.

William Sturritt, Steward of the Billowcrest, and inventor of condensed food tablets.

Frenchy, a bosun who stirs up trouble.

Prince of the Purple Fields, a gentle despot of the Port of Dreams.

Princess of the Lilied Hills, His Serene Sister, whose domain is the deepest South.

Three maidens of the Land of Dreams and Lotus.

A shipwrecked sailor, whose rescue is important to all concerned.

Cabin boy, stewardess, and crew of the Billowcrest.

Courtiers, populace, etc., of the Land of the Sloping Sun.