diff --git a/src/ingest.c b/src/ingest.c
index 3679b2e..e417ee2 100644
--- a/src/ingest.c
+++ b/src/ingest.c
@@ -53,6 +53,12 @@ ingest_start(bytenuts_t *bytenuts)
     ingest.cmd_pg_cur = -1;
     ingest.xmodem_hist = bstr_history_create();
 
+    /* ensure character sequences work in all terminals */
+    define_key("\033[1;5A", KEY_CUP);
+    define_key("\033[1;5B", KEY_CDOWN);
+    define_key("\033[1;2H", KEY_SHOME);
+    define_key("\033[1;2F", KEY_SEND);
+
     HOME = getenv("HOME");
     if (HOME) {
         int idx = 0;