Declan O'Donnell

Declan O’Donnell is the main character and sometimes-narrator of the novel “The Plover” by Brian Doyle. Declan appears to be in his mid-to-late thirties, is a native of Oregon, a recovering alcoholic, and the owner and captain of the fishing boat the “Plover,” which he purchased used at the age of seventeen. Declan has dreamed of an ocean adventure since reading “Kon-Tiki” as a child. After a difficult childhood due to a drunkard father and for unknown reasons in his adult life, Declan has combined his desire for an ocean adventure with his desire to get away from people in general.

He is surprised when, in Hawaii, Piko and Pipa ask to board. Declan knows the dynamics of his journey will change, as he had hoped to be alone, but still welcomes Piko and Pipa on board. Over the next several weeks, Declan has a series...