Professor George Edward Challenger
Role
Leader of the expedition; a famous and controversial zoologist who achieves ultimate scientific vindication.
Secrets
Possesses a tattered sketchbook and a pterodactyl wing as proof of his journey; secretly brought a live pterodactyl back to London.
Dialogue
Bellowing, roaring, and filled with scientific jargon and ponderous sarcasm.
Appearance
Enormous head, florid face, spade-shaped black beard, massive chest, and huge hairy hands. After his return, his beard is more shaggy and his skin is burned to a darker tint.
Background
Born in Largs in 1863; educated at Edinburgh University; former British Museum assistant.
Identified
true
Motivations
To prove the existence of the prehistoric world and achieve scientific immortality; currently plans to found a private museum with his diamond fortune.
Personality
Violent, arrogant, brilliant, and highly sensitive to criticism. He possesses an 'inventive brain' and a 'Roman emperor' air. He is exultant in victory and paternal toward those he deems his inferiors.
Competencies
Expertise in zoology, comparative anthropology, and paleontology; skilled problem-solver and amateur balloonist.
Plot Relevance
The central figure whose claims and leadership drive the expedition into the unknown and back to triumph.
First Appearance
Enmore Park, Kensington
Timeline
Accepting the Young Journalist
Professor Challenger discovers Malone's deception but, after a physical altercation, decides to share his secret evidence with the young man.
South American Expedition
Challenger travels to the Amazon and discovers a prehistoric plateau.
The Vienna Row
Challenger has a heated and aggressive confrontation with colleagues in Vienna over Weissmannism.
Assaulting Malone
Challenger attacks Malone after discovering he is a journalist, resulting in a street brawl.
Sharing the Secret
Challenger shows Malone the evidence of the 'Lost World' under a vow of secrecy.
The Zoological Institute Confrontation
Challenger interrupts Waldron's lecture and challenges the audience to send a committee to verify his claims.
Surprise Appearance in Manaos
Challenger appears unexpectedly in Manaos to lead the expedition in person.
The Bridge Solution
Challenger conceives the idea of felling a beech tree to bridge the chasm to the plateau.
First to Cross
Challenger insists on being the first human to set foot on the plateau during this expedition.
Vindication
Challenger receives an apology from Summerlee after they witness a live pterodactyl.
Naming Lake Gladys
Challenger allows Malone to name the central lake 'Lake Gladys' in a moment of sympathetic indulgence.
Captured by Ape-Men
Challenger is captured by ape-men who treat him with strange respect due to his physical resemblance to their chief.
Rescued
Saved from execution by Roxton and Malone; he immediately resumes his masterful demeanor.
The Battle of the Plateau
Participates in the extermination of the ape-men, viewing it as a decisive historical conquest for humanity.
The Balloon Disaster
Constructs a hydrogen balloon from lizard entrails which nearly carries the entire party away before the rope snaps.
The Queen's Hall Revelation
Challenger produces a live pterodactyl at the London meeting, silencing his critics and achieving total victory.
Founding a Museum
Challenger receives £50,000 from the diamond find and decides to found a private museum.
