The Library
of Alexandria

A character in The Narrative of Arthur Gordon Pym of Nantucket

Who is Dirk Peters?

By the Library of Alexandria · 2 minute read · Updated 23 oct. 2026

In short

  • Dirk Peters is a powerful sailor in Edgar Allan Poe's novel The Narrative of Arthur Gordon Pym of Nantucket.
  • He is half Native American, rough in manner, and feared by the other mutineers aboard the Grampus.
  • His fierce loyalty makes him an important companion to Pym through the voyage's dangers.

Who Dirk Peters is

Dirk Peters is a sailor aboard the Grampus, the whaling brig where Pym hides with help from Augustus Barnard. He is one of the mutineers, but divisions among them leave the ship's control uncertain.

His strength and terrible temper make him a frightening figure to those around him. Yet his loyalty complicates that first impression, especially when Pym must depend on him for help.

Dirk Peters and the others in the story

Augustus trusts Peters enough to tell him that Pym is hidden aboard the ship. For Pym, accepting this ally means relying on someone who has recently taken part in the mutiny.

Peters and Augustus help carry out Pym's plan to frighten the mutineers with the appearance of a ghost. Their alliance brings together Pym's cunning, Augustus's trust, and Peters's strength against a shared threat.

How Dirk Peters changes

As the voyage brings further dangers, Peters becomes Pym's loyal companion through their worst hours. Pym comes from a gentle upbringing, while Peters is rough, but hardship makes them depend on each other.

Questions

Who is Dirk Peters in Pym?

Dirk Peters is a strong sailor of mixed Native American descent who becomes a loyal companion to Arthur Gordon Pym.

Is Dirk Peters a mutineer?

Yes, Peters is among the mutineers aboard the Grampus before joining forces with Augustus and Pym.

Is Dirk Peters good or bad?

Peters is presented as both fierce and loyal. His temper inspires fear, but his support for Pym shows another side of him.

The classics, in your inbox

Characters, key ideas and where to start, by email. Leave any time.

Read Les Aventures d’Arthur Gordon Pym, and 200,000+ more

Start free and open 200,000+ books to read and to hear, with a 15-minute summary of every one, and any book printed at cost as a paperback, hardcover or large print.

Free to start. Renews every year. Cancel anytime.

Start free