Jack, the albatross

[esteven]

Himself, and by that I mean Jack Aubrey for he does indeed personify the ship, has become grave, stern, unapproachable. He asks no man's opinion, and I have the impression that he knows exactly what he is doing - that he sails with the same determination and clarity of mind as the great albatrosses that sometimes accompany us,black-browed, wandering, and royal.
(chapter seven)

Stephen describes the essence of Jack...and after all their decades together he is clearly in awe of his friend.