A guide to the extensive cast of characters in 1899; from passengers to the crew, who is traveling with whom to America on The Kerberos?
The language-switching in Netflix’s new 1899 series is expertly organized and truly immerses viewers in what life onboard a European migrant ship would be like during this time.
However, with so many characters and so many different cultures melting together on The Kerberos, it can be quite difficult to keep track of which characters are traveling to America with who.
Here is a handy guide to the character of 1899, including which languages they speak and what their relationship is with other passengers and crewmates as they voyage across the Atlantic.
Spoiler warning: This article will contain descriptions of the characters and their relationships to one another up until 1899 episode 3, so as to not give away any specific character’s backstory that is explored in later episodes.
1899 character guide and relationships explained
Passengers of The Kerberos:
British passengers – Maura Franklin (Emily Beecham) is a neurologist and whilst dealing with stereotypes from the medical industry, has become one of the first female doctors in the UK. She travels alone to America in hope of finding her missing brother.
Virginia Wilson (Rosalie Craig) is a wealthy British woman and social butterfly, who looks to find out the secrets that other passengers have brought with them on the voyage. She appears to travel alone but also appears to be the secret supervisor for the two Chinese passengers.
Dr Reginald Murray (Richard Hope) is a British doctor who comes from a long line of medical professionals; although his seriousness about dealing with issues of lower-class ailments appears questionable at best. He travels alone.
French passengers – Clemence (Mathilde Ollivier) is a wealthy young woman from the Paris elite, struggling with the arranged marriage that her parents forced her into. She travels with her new husband Lucien as they travel to America.
Lucien (Jonas Bloquet) is a former French Army Lieutenant and a member of the Paris elite, who suffers from epileptic seizures. He travels with his new wife Clemence to America.
Jerome (Yann Gael) is a stowaway that hides in the coal storage and is a former French soldier. He travels to America alone.
Spanish passengers – Angel (Miguel Bernardeau) is a wealthy man from the Spanish elite who is constantly looking out for the next person to hook up with. He travels with Father Ramiro to America.
Ramiro (Jose Pimentao) is a Portuguese servant who is disguised as a faux priest and although incredibly jealous of his outgoing nature, he travels to America with his brother Angel.
Chinese passengers – Ling Yi (Isabella Wei) is a mysterious young woman from China, but who wears clothes and makeup from Japan as she attempts to learn the language on the voyage. She travels to America with Yuk Je and Virginia Wilson.
Yuk Je (Gabby Wong) is the supervisor of Ling Yi, constantly ordering her around and guiding her through new social interactions. She travels to America with Ling Yi and Virginia Wilson.
Danish passengers – Tove (Clara Rosager)) is a pregnant Danish girl; stubborn but brave, she is constantly looking out for her family, although her patience with their religious ideologies can only go so far. She travels to America with sister Ada, brother Krester, father Anker, and mother Iben.
Krester (Lucas Lynggaard Tonnesen) is a curious but protective young Danish man. Embarrassed by a horrific scar on his face, he is often submissive to his family members and wealthy passengers. He travels to America with sisters Ada and Tove, father Anker, and mother Iben.
Iben (Maria Erwolter) is the leader of the Danish passengers traveling in the lower classes, she hears the voices of God in her head and believes that the Devil is after Tove’s baby. She travels to America with her son Krester, daughters Ada and Tove, and husband Anker.
Anker (Alexandre Willaume) is a frail man who follows the religious leadership of his wife Iben, he is protective over his family but is suspicious of both Tove and Krester. He travels to America with his wife Iben, son Krester, and daughters Tove and Ada.
Ada (Vida Sjorslev) is a curious and intelligent young Danish girl, who can interpret English and dreams of becoming a doctor once she finishes school. She travels to America with sister Ada, brother Krester, father Anker, and mother Iben.
Crew of The Kerberos:
Captain Eyk (Andreas Pietschmann) is The Kerberos’ German captain who is haunted by the sudden loss of his wife and children. Suspicious of the company he works, he has a severe drinking problem and does not have the respect of his crew. He travels to America alone.
Olek (Maciej Musial) is a Polish sailor who works shoveling coal into the enormous engines of The Kerberos. He dreams of finding his brother on the New Continent and shows his bravery by operating dangerous machinery with little thought. He travels to America alone.
Franz (Isaak Dentler) is the captain’s German right-hand man and a well-respected member of the crew. Featuring scars on his face and a bushy beard, Franz becomes spiteful at the decision to respond to The Prometheus’ signals. He travels to America alone.
Sebastian (Tino Mewes) is the German First Mate onboard The Kerberos and is joined with Franz in his distaste at the decision to rescue The Prometheus. He is also sending secret messages to the ship’s company through a machine in the loading bay. He travels to America alone.
Passengers of The Prometheus:
Daniel (Aneurin Barnard) is a stranger who climbs onboard The Kerberos whilst Captain Eyk searches The Prometheus. He speaks English, has the power to control a beetle, and knows how to use a mysterious machine in the ship’s belly. He also knows The Boy, but appears to travel to America alone.
The Boy (Fflyn Edwards) is the mysterious young boy who Maura Franklin finds onboard The Prometheus. He refuses to speak but carries a black pyramid wherever he goes and has a triangle tattoo on his neck. He also knows Daniel and can control the beetle, but appears to travel to America alone.
By Tom Llewellyn – [email protected]
