DanielleDaniel Rooke (loosely based on Dawes) is a self-possessed boy whose parents seek to better his prospects in life by having him brought to the attention of important people and thus given opportunities others of his station in life may not have had. Among them is the [[Astronomer Royal]]. He is a mathematical [[Genius|prodigy]] but must keep this or else be victimized by adults and fellow students.
After graduating from the [[Royal Naval College, Portsmouth]], he takes up a commission in the Royal Marines. During the [[American Revolutionary War]], he is almost killed by a falling [[spar (sailing)|spar]], and takes several years to recover.
