Introduction and context

POB: Padstow on the north Cornish coast

Retired: April, 1986

Marital Status: single

Occupation: Captain of the Salcombe built barquetine I’ll Away

First met with Captain Caius Hocken: Rotterdam, November 21, 1880

Residence from May 1896: 1, Harbour Terrrace, Troy, leased from Mrs Bosenna of Rilla Farm

Finances: His papers are held in the safe of John Rogers at the chandlery. He is not so well off as Caius Hocken

Physical description: Bearded, of substantial build, once a prize fighter seen by Mr Bosenna at Summercourt Fair. The owner of a talking parrot.

Character: Phlegmatic unless roused, with little knowledge of women. He has the principles and the moral courage to stand up to John Rogers over the loading of vessels to below Plimsoll mark (Chapter XXII). Is well-liked and respected in Troy.

Positions held: Parish councillor.

In the novel Tobias Hunken acts as a foil to Caius Hocken. They are similar in most respects and the tension between them is the product of an external cause, the manipulation of Mrs Bosenna. However, she plays upon a certain acquisitive propensity, the attraction of the farm. Hocken’s character is revealed in his actions. He is sure of himself and the world in which he moves, with little need for reflection or introspection.