Hornblower, Pellew & Kennedy

Captain Sir Edward Pellew

Played by: Robert Lindsay

The great Captain of the frigate Indefatigable makes a dramatic entrance in episode 1 with his "God Save The King!!" speech. He is a no-nonsense man who knows exactly what he's doing. His first encounter with Hornblower is a severe one, with Pellew scorning Hornblower for the loss of two midshipman through a duel. However, a father-son relationship evidently develops between them, as Hornblower constantly impresses Pellew with his exemplary leadership and resourcefulness under pressure. The relationship is tested in episode 5 and 6 when Hornblower stands trial for mutiny -- with Pellew presiding over the court marshal.

Most significant quote: Notable ones are: "The revolutionary government of France has declared war on Britain...God Save The King!!", "We'll get to Muzillac if I have to row there myself" and "How did the captain come to fall?"

Links: Click here for a great link to Robert Lindsay!

Horatio Hornblower

Played by: Ioan Gruffudd

The title role in the series, Horatio Hornblower is the star of the show. He is the shy, awkward, 17-year-old who joins the Justinian as Midshipman, and quickly rises up through the ranks. His rise isn't easy though, and is met with many physical and psychological challenges along the way -- including imprisonment in a Spanish prison. His integrity, compassion and dignity never wanes and despite his early awkwardness, his remarkable leadership qualities are evident. He wins the respect of almost all the crew on board, and sometimes the enemy too.

Most significant quote: Too many to mention. Notable ones are: "I'm giving you a chance to prove yourselves worthy of my trust", "Just thinking of the distances we travel, yet how far we still have to sail as men" and "Hero or not--we were headed for disaster."

Links: Want more Ioan Gruffudd? Click here!

Archie Kennedy

Played by: Jamie Bamber

He is the Midshipman who first welcomes Hornblower aboard the Justinian and becomes his friend. Kennedy is good-natured and keen to fight in the naval wars, despite his tendency to suffer from epileptic fits. Kennedy suffers one such fit in episode 1 as the British are about to board a French warship, the Papillon, and must be knocked unconscious. During the battle Kennedy gets "left behind" and is presumed dead. However, he reappears in episode 3 in a Spanish prison where he is a very different man; nervous, tormented and on the verge of death. Hornblower coaxes him back to health so that he is strong enough to escape with the rest of the men. By episode 5 Kennedy is a self-assured, confident lieutenant and plays a significant part in episodes 5 and 6.

Most significant quote: "Don't you understand? It means war, Horatio, it means war", "They mean to kill us, Horatio" and "Just take what I offer. Take it and say goodbye."