Theodore Groves

"Sir. The men&mdash;" "They be dead already." "They don't sound dead." "Oh, is that so? Well I hear nothing but...seagulls. Nesting. What is it that you hear, Mr. Groves?" "...Seagulls. Nesting. Nothing more."

- Theodore Groves and Hector Barbossa

Theodore Groves was an officer of the British Royal Navy and the East India Trading Company. With the forces stationed at Port Royal, Groves served as an Navy officer under the command of Commodore James Norrington. He was later promoted as lieutenant and served aboard the EITC flagship HMS Endeavour, as second-in-command to Lord Cutler Beckett. Groves accompanied Beckett and his armada in their war to wipe out piracy from the world. During the battle with the pirates, Groves gave the order to abandon ship when Beckett couldn't give the order to fire at the Flying Dutchman and the Black Pearl. Several years later, Groves would have the promotion of lieutenant commander and participated in the quest for the Fountain of Youth, where he served aboard the pride of the fleet HMS Providence, under the command of Hector Barbossa, a privateer in King George II's court.

Early Life
At some point in his life, Theodore Groves became part of the Royal Navy under the command of Lieutenant James Norrington and Governor Weatherby Swann. He later became part of the Norrington's men stationed in Port Royal, in which they would serve under James Norrington for many years. Groves would continue serving when Norrington was promoted commodore.

Navy officer
"Set topsails and clear up this mess." "With the wind at quarter astern, we won't catch them." "I don't need to catch them, just get them in range of the long nines."

- James Norrington and Theodore Groves concerning catching Jack Sparrow and Will Turner



On the day of Norrington's search for Governor Weatherby Swann's daughter Elizabeth Swann, who was kidnapped by Hector Barbossa's crew, Groves assisted Commodore Norrington's men in prepping the HMS Interceptor for the voyage. However, as Groves alerted Norrington to Gillette's predicament of being put aboard a longboat, the notorious pirate Captain Jack Sparrow attempted to commandeer the HMS Dauntless from the Port Royal harbor with the help of blacksmith Will Turner. Groves accompained Norrington his marines as they sailed the Interceptor toward the Dauntless to board her.

However, once they came aboard, Norrington and his men were left only to watch on helplessly as Sparrow and Turner jump ship and fled aboard the Interceptor. Norrington ordered his men to fire the cannons at the Interceptor, though Groves didn't see reason to fire on their own ship. Before the crew could fire the cannons, the steersman alerted to Norrington that Sparrow disabled the rudder chain, thereby making the Dauntless unmovable. This daring maneuver impressed Groves, who voiced his admiration of Sparrow, stating that he was the best pirate. Norrington, however, did not share the sentiment, given the evidence.

Groves participated in the search for Elizabeth, under the command of Norrington. Later, he fought against Barbossa's undead pirates aboard the Dauntless at Isla de Muerta. He survived the battle, and remained in service with the Royal Navy.

Lieutenant
"Which ship should we follow?" "Signal the Dutchman to track down Sao Feng. We follow the Pearl. How soon can we have the ship ready to pursue?" [the Endeavour's mast crashes on deck] "Do you think he plans it all out, or just makes it up as he goes along?"

- Theodore Groves and Lord Cutler Beckett after the Skirmish off of Black Sand Beach



After Lord Cutler Beckett took control of Port Royal, Groves later became an officer for the East India Trading Company. He was stationed as a lieutenant aboard the HMS Endeavour as of Jack Sparrow's rescue from Davy Jones' Locker. He once again commented on Sparrow's skill and good fortune, after the pirate escaped the Endeavour to rejoin his crew, and after he, at the same time, damaged the Endeavour to the point where it wouldn't be able to pursue.

Groves remained onboard when they found Shipwreck Cove and during the battle at Calypso's maelstrom. Later in the battle, the Black Pearl and the Flying Dutchman turned to attack the Endeavour. When Lord Beckett failed to respond to the attack of the Pearl and the Dutchman, Groves gave the order to abandon ship. Unlike Beckett, Groves and his men escaped the Endeavour before its destruction. "All hands! Abandon ship!"

- Theodore Groves before he jumped overboard the Endeavour

Return to the Navy
"Orders, sir!" "I'll have my navigator to the helm."

- Theodore Groves and Hector Barbossa



After the battle of Calypso's maelstrom, Theodore Groves was transferred back to the British Royal Navy, where he was at some point promoted to Lieutenant Commander. Groves would later be stationed aboard the HMS Providence, pride of the Royal Navy which was docked in London. To his surprise, the ship was captained by none other than Hector Barbossa, former pirate captain of the Black Pearl, who had become a privateer in the service of England and a trusted advisor on the Court of King George II. After Jack Sparrow escaped from London, the Providence was sent, by the King's orders, sent to find the legendary Fountain of Youth before the Spanish.

Groves was present when Barbossa interrogated Joshamee Gibbs, an ally of Jack Sparrow. When the pirate refused to cooperate, Groves and Gillette tied a hangman noose to prepare Gibbs' hanging. Gibbs then revealed to be in possession of a map that lead to the Fountain of Youth. Before any exchange could be made, Gibbs burned the map, ultimately forcing Barbossa to bring him aboard the Providence as Gibbs memorized every route in the map that led to the Fountain. And so Groves accompanied Barbossa's crew aboard the Providence at dawn.

Search for the Fountain of Youth
"Captain. Sir. I am unhappy to report rumors, sir, among the crew, as to our destination." "Shut your trap and make way. [Groves doesn't move] That's the way of it, then?" "No disrespect, sir." "What do the men fear? Say it. Speak the words." "Whitecap Bay."

- Theodore Groves and Hector Barbossa



A few days into the voyage, Groves had Gibbs brought to the helm, by Barbossa's orders, so he could provide a heading. Gibbs told Barbossa that they were going in the right direction, as he saw three Spanish galleons, commanded by the Spaniard. Barbossa, Groves and Gillette ordered the crew to their battle stations. Groves asked Barbossa for orders as the ships came closer. Though the crew of the Providence prepared for the battle, the Spanish ships simply passed without opening fire. Knowing that they've fallen behind, Barbossa and Groves ordered the crew to make more sail.

Later, as the crew of the Providence became wary of their destination, it was Groves who confronted Barbossa about the rumors. The privateer revealed that they were heading for Whitecap Bay, home to deadly mermaids. As the crew were immediately stroked with fear, Groves attempted to calm the men down. But one of the crewmen raced for the railing and jumped overboard. Barbossa was ultimately able to inspire confidence into the other crewmen and ordered full sail to Whitecap Bay. After the Providence arrived the Bay, Groves went to shore with Barbossa, Gillette, Gibbs, and a handful of the crew.

While ashore, they examined the aftermath of a chaos that occurred, particularly at a mermaid's dead body. Groves suggested to Barbossa that they must post haste when the mermaids began attacking the Providence. Hearing the attack on the crewmen aboard, Groves urged Barbossa to go help his men, but Barbossa rejected the idea, believing them to be dead already. After Groves refused Barbossa's claim, Barbossa pulled his pistol at Groves, forcing him to stay on the beach. Groves begrudgingly agreed as he notices Gibbs gazing in horror out at the bay. All the crewmen watched as the Providence sank before their eyes. Gibbs led the remaining crewmen on their next heading.

Infiltration of the Spanish camp
"Hold here, Lieutenant Commander. Wait for my signal."

- Hector Barbossa to Theodore Groves



The Providence crew continued on as they made their way through thick jungle, with Barbossa collecting small poisonous dart frogs along the way. Groves would assist Barbossa in his collecting by carrying the jar full of Barbossa's frog collection. Later, after Barbossa collected one more frog, Barbossa left the crew as he journeyed ahead onto Ponce de León's legendary ship, the Santiago. Later, Barbossa would return from the Santiago with pirate Jack Sparrow, who would join Barbossa's crew in their attempt to infiltrate the Spanish camp and retrieve the two silver Chalices of Cartagena.

By Barbossa's orders to Groves, the crew had to wait for the signal while he and Jack continued on infiltrating the Spanish camp. Though they were both captured, Jack managed to escape by his own means and slingshotted himself from two palm trees. While Jack was distracting Spanish soldiers, Groves came to Barbossa's aide, believing that Jack's escape was the signal. He freed his captain of his bonds and from the palm tree that he was tied on. Groves, while carrying Jack's effects, then ran with Barbossa to the other crewmen in haste. The crew did manage to accomplish their goal, as Jack was able to steal the Chalices. While Jack rejoined with Blackbeard and his pirate crew, Barbossa and Groves along with the other Providence crewmen followed them from a distance.

Battle at the Fountain
"This land is hereby forever claimed in the glorious name of His Majesty, King George&mdash;" [Groves is shot and killed by the Spaniard] "...Someone make a note of that man's bravery."

- Theodore Groves and the Spaniard



When the pirates found the Fountain of Youth, the crew made a surprising entrance, with Barbossa proclaiming Blackbeard as his prisoner. But Blackbeard didn't want to go down without a fight, so he and his crew started to fight Barbossa and his men as a battle ensued. Groves fought valiantly against the pirates, but almost all of his fellow crewmen, including Gillette, were soon dead.

Later in the battle, the Spaniard and his soldiers suddenly arrived at the Fountain with a large force, outnumbering both the pirates and the British. Trying one last attempt to fulfill the crew's mission, Groves ran up to the Fountain, held the British flag in his hands and proclaimed the Fountain as the property of King George. But at the same moment, the Spaniard shot Groves, instantly killing him.

After asking one of his officers to make a note about Groves' bravery, the Spaniard revealed the Spanish's true intention was to destroy the Fountain, not to use it for gaining eternal life for their King. The Spaniard smashed the Chalices and ordered his men to destroy the Fountain. While the Spaniard confronted Blackbeard during the destruction of the Fountain, Groves' body was carried away by two British marines.

Personality and traits
"That's got to be the best pirate I've ever seen." "So it would seem."

- Theodore Groves and James Norrington on Captain Jack Sparrow

Theodore Groves was a 'by the book' naval officer, holding the rank of lieutenant while serving in the East India Trading Company and the British Royal Navy, committed to battling piracy. At some point, he was promoted to the rank of lieutenant commander and served as first officer onboard the HMS Providence, under the command of privateer, Hector Barbossa. During his career, he became one of the finest officers of the Royal Navy.

Although he was the upholder of the law, he had an admiration for the life of a pirate. This can be seen when he gave comments about Jack Sparrow's successful escapes from James Norrington and Cutler Beckett. Though he had an interest in a pirate's life, he remained in service of the King's Royal Navy and the East India Company. "Steady! Steady, men! Find your courage! Or be ready to purpose your fear!"

- Theodore Groves to crew of the Providence

Groves also displayed remarkable courage and care for his men. When it was necessary, he was able to give the order to abandon ship when the Endeavour was being destroyed. He almost went against orders from his own captain and protested against the idea of leaving the crew of the HMS Providence to die at the hands of mermaids. Groves has also shown acts of bravery, like when he announced the Fountain as King George's property, despite the fact that he and his surviving men were vastly outnumbered and outgunned. After shooting Groves, the Spaniard asked one of his men to make a note of Groves' noble action.

Equipment and skills
"Hands, come about! Run out the guns! We are to fire on our own ship, sir?" "I'd rather see her at the bottom of the ocean than in the hands of a pirate."

- Theodore Groves and James Norrington

Having much experience, Theodore Groves had many skills as a former lieutenant and lieutenant commander of the Royal Navy. He was excellent with a musket and a sword in battle as he was able to hold out against Barbossa's undead pirates during the battle of Isla de Muerta as well as survive fighting Blackbeard's pirates during the battle of the Fountain of Youth. It was only until his death in the hands of the Spaniard did his skills fail him.

In addition, Groves made use of a spyglass during his time in the East India Trading Company and the quest for the Fountain of Youth.

Behind the scenes

 * Theodore Groves was portrayed by Greg Ellis in The Curse of the Black Pearl, At World's End and On Stranger Tides.
 * The name "Theodore Groves" was made by a group of fans on a forum with Greg Ellis' blessing. His full name wasn't officially revealed until On Stranger Tides was in production. He was named "Officer" in the ending credits for The Curse of the Black Pearl and At World's End, while he was only credited as "Groves" in On Stranger Tides. The name "Groves" first appeared in the At World's End junior novelization.
 * There was much confusion among fans if Groves really died or not, given that he was shot in the stomach as well as being carried off by British soldiers. Though it was confirmed by director Rob Marshall, in the audio commentary for On Stranger Tides, that Groves, along with Gillette, indeed died.
 * Groves' role in On Stranger Tides was different in one of the early drafts of the script. He would've only appeared in two scenes. One of which was an early demise by a mermaid attack where he would be dragged into the water, then appeared on the beach just fine before being taken by one of the mermaid's ropes and dragged into the ocean.
 * In the LEGO sets, Lieutenant Theodore Groves appeared as an officer of Royal Guard rather than the Royal Navy. It is unknown if this was a mistake or false labeling.
 * In the Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides Ultimate Sticker Book, Groves was mistakenly identified as Gillette and vice versa.

Appearances

 * Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl
 * Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End
 * Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End (junior novelization)
 * Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides
 * Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (junior novelization)
 * LEGO Pirates of the Caribbean: The Video Game