Colombo

Colombo is the largest city in Ceylon, the island country now known as Sri Lanka. Michael embarks from Colombo's port on the passenger ship bound for England. Niemeyer's pretrial hearing also is held in Colombo.

The Oronsay

The Oronsay is the seven-level passenger ship on which Michael and the others travel from Ceylon to England. Much of the novel's action takes place aboard the Oronsay.

The Cat's Table

The Cat's Table is a table in the ship's dining room where Michael, two of his young friends, and a number of adult passengers sit. "Cat's Table" is a nickname for the lowest-prestige table in the ship's dining room.

Boralesgamuwa

Boralesgamuwa is a village in Ceylon where Michael spent his young years. He reminisces about it occasionally during the novel.

St. Thomas' College

St. Thomas' College is a boarding school in Ceylon that was attended by both Michael and...