Humphrey Van Weyden is the protagonist of Jack London's novel, "The Sea-Wolf." He is a wealthy, intellectual man who finds himself stranded at sea after a shipwreck. Van Weyden is initially portrayed as a timid and sheltered individual, but his experiences aboard the Ghost transform him. Throughout the story, Van Weyden encounters Wolf Larsen, the brutal captain of the Ghost, who challenges his beliefs and forces him to confront his own limitations. As the narrative progresses, Van Weyden evolves, gaining strength and resilience while navigating the harsh realities of life at sea.