Robinson Crusoe

The titular character from Daniel Defoe’s iconic 1719 survival story. In 1651, against his parents’ wishes, Crusoe went to sea, only to be shipwrecked and later taken by pirates. He escaped and returned to his sea-faring ways, only to be shipwrecked yet again in 1659 off the coast of Venezuela. He made the best of his situation, building a home in a cave which he fenced off. He salvaged tools from the shipwreck, as well as a dog, two cats and a Bible. He proved to be very resilient and resourceful, teaching himself farming and pottery, making a calendar and even adopting a pet parrot. Crusoe has all the foibles English sailors of his era were known for, but being alone on the island with only his Bible and nature itself for company has changed him.