Character guide
The Duke
from Big River
The Duke is one of two con men who attach themselves to Huck and Jim's raft in Big River, Roger Miller's 1985 musical.
- Show
- Big River
- Broadway premiere
- 1985
- Role
- Supporting
- Music by
- Roger Miller
Who is the Duke?
The Duke is a smooth talking swindler who falsely claims noble birth, joining forces with an older con man known as the King to trick townspeople along the river out of their money. The pair force their way onto Huck and Jim's raft, turning the boys' journey into an uneasy partnership with two dishonest, self serving grifters.
The Duke's schemes range from staged theatrical performances to outright fraud, and his presence adds both comic energy and real danger to the story, since his and the King's greed eventually threatens Jim's safety and freedom.
The Duke's role in Big River
The Duke is a supporting role in Big River, usually paired closely with the King in scenes of comic scheming and small time fraud. The part rewards a performer with strong comic timing and a flair for theatrical bluster, since the Duke often plays exaggerated roles within the show's own con games.
Alongside the King, the Duke provides much of the show's comic relief while also raising the stakes of the plot, since the pair's greed ultimately leads to Jim being sold, a betrayal that forces Huck into his most difficult moral choice.
The Duke: frequently asked questions
What show is the Duke from?
The Duke is a supporting character in Big River, which opened in 1985.
Is the Duke a lead or supporting role?
The Duke is a supporting role, typically paired with the King as a pair of traveling con men.
Who wrote the music for Big River?
Country singer songwriter Roger Miller wrote the music and lyrics for Big River.
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