Marlow

• Described by the narrator as more trustworthy than the rest: since he's a full time sailor, it is implied that he is more perseverant and braver than the rest; the narrator is a weekend sailor, and the other three have desk-jobs (more comfortable)
• Comparison b/w 'ascetic' and looking like an 'idol': Appearances can be deceptive, while Marlow looks trustworthy, he may be spouting shit

Narrator

• The narrator describes the sea as magnificent but becomes ominous with his descriptions when the sun sets; The narrator identifies with the British empire's idealizations but does question the validity of it