The Cay is a novel about Phillip Enright, a boy who is stranded on an island with Timothy after his ship is torpedoed during World War II. Phillip has been blinded from an injury and must rely on Timothy to help him. However, Phillip is is prejudiced against Timothy, who is black. Over the course of the book, they develop a strong friendship, surviving on their small remote island. In the end, Timothy dies in a hurricane, Phillip buries him and is rescued, receiving surgery to repair his eyesight.
Phillip Enright: 11-year-old protagonist and narrator, is marooned on a cay in "The Devil's Mouth" with Timothy. Skeptical of Timothy at first because he is black, he relies on him when he is blinded and comes to appreciate him and creates a strong bond of friendship and trust with Timothy.
Timothy: West-Indian native of Charlotte Amelie in Saint Thomas, is marooned with Phillip. He cares for Phillip and understands many survival tactics including fishing and shelter-building. Although at times superstitious, he is old, wise, and patient, stern, and helps Phillip learn to be self-sufficient.
Stew Cat: Feline companion of Phillip and Timothy on the cay, especially comforting for Phillip. Timothy at one point believes he may be an evil spirit called a Jumbi. Before the S. S. Hato was torpedoed, he was the cook's cat.
Phillip's Mother- Grace: Accompanies Phillip on the S.S. Hato headed for Virginia, is separated from him when it sinks. Notably racist against the black inhabitants of Curaçao.
Phillip's Father-Peter: Relocates the family to the Dutch West Indies for government-related work. He works in an oil refinery that increases the production of aviation gas.
Henrik van Boven: Phillip's Dutch-national friend in Curaçao; he doesn't understand Phillip's mother's disdain for blacks.
Already have an account? Log In Now