Joseph Conrad (played by Marek Kondrat) is a protagonist in The Shadow-Line.
The author of the source novella, appearing as a meta-narrative figure or observer within the film's framing. Burns (played by Graham Lines) is a protagonist in The Shadow-Line.
The ship's first mate whose growing fear and paranoia convince the crew that the vessel is haunted and cursed. Ransome (played by Tom Wilkinson) appears in The Shadow-Line.
The young protagonist and captain on his first command, who must navigate a becalmed sea, a malaria-stricken crew, and intense psychological pressure. Capt. Elis (played by Bernard Archard) appears in The Shadow-Line.
A fellow sea captain who serves as a professional peer within the maritime community. Capt. Giles (played by Martin Wyldeck) appears in The Shadow-Line.
A fellow sea captain who appears as a professional peer in the protagonist's maritime environment. Doctor (played by Richard Bartlett) appears in The Shadow-Line.
The ship's physician responsible for treating the crew's feverish malaria and managing the critical absence of medicine. Officer (played by Piotr Cieślak) appears in The Shadow-Line.
A subordinate officer who suffers from malaria and becomes increasingly susceptible to the crew's supernatural fears. Franchy (played by Eugeniusz Priwieziencew) appears in The Shadow-Line.
A crew member who weakens from malaria and becomes entangled in the ship's growing superstition and crisis.
