Companion

The Harlequin (to Kurtz)

The strange Russian man dubbed "the harlequin" worships Kurtz. Because of his uncomfortable relationship with his father – who does not approve of all the time his son wastes on ships – the harlequin finds comfort and friendship in Kurtz’s company – or so he believes. The truth is that he is really more of a lackey and listener to Kurtz than a true companion. By listening to Kurtz’s mad discourse, he believes that the man has "expanded [his] mind" and broadened his horizons. By buying into Kurtz’s foolish rationale, he finds it easier to help him commit atrocious acts – like raiding other tribes and villages for their ivory. The harlequin, as something of a religious outcast, is searching for a god. And he finds it in Kurtz.