Synopsis
This ageless classic begins when Billy Bones, an old sea captain, dies mysteriously in the Hawkins inn. Jim discovers that Billy has left behind an old treasure chest with a map indicating the location of a huge buried treasure chest. Jim recruits his friend Squire Trelawney and Dr. Livesey to help him plan an expedition, and they set off on the Hispaniola on the hunt for treasure.
Trouble soon arises, however, Jim accidentally overhears a conspiracy being planned by Long John Silver. As a result, they decide they want the booty for themselves and arrange a mutiny. Once they reach the island, the ship’s captain, Alexander Smollett devises a plan to get the rebellious crew ashore. Things appear to be going well until Jim decides on a whim to sneak off the boat too. Afraid and disoriented on the island, he witnesses a murder and tries to remain undetected by the mutineers. In this tale of danger on the high seas, it becomes clear that finding the buried treasure is not nearly as important as staying alive.
Book in Detail
Jim Hawkins - The protagonist of the book. He is a young, adventurous country boy (probably 12 to 14 years old) who goes on a treasure-hunting voyage to Treasure Island.
Squire John Trelawney - A tall man with a rough face, he is a close associate of Dr. Livesey. He is optimistic, friendly, believes the best of people, is not in the habit of worrying. He can afford not to worry; he can pay people to do that for him.
He is the person who arranges for the ship and for the voyage to Treasure Island, but he's also incredibly gullible, as he allows Silver to direct the whole venture by hiring a crew of pirates and a useless first officer.
Dr David Livesey - A calm, composed, duty bound man who decides to take Jim on the voyage. He is also a local magistrate and a close friend of the Hawkins family.
Captain Alexander Smollett - The brave Captain of the Hispaniola. He is intelligent, tactful, and very strict when it comes to handling the ship and its crew.
Long John Silver - The dangerous one-legged man who works as a cook on the Hispaniola and leads the mutineers' attack against Captain Smollet's men.
Ben Gunn - The only human inhabitant of Treasure Island. He was marooned by his fellow pirates 3 years back.
Captain Billy Bones - A tall, strong, heavy, and drunken man with a saber cut across his right cheek who comes to live at the Admiral Benbow Inn with an old sea-chest.