Cheyenne Autumn: Analysis of Major Characters
"Cheyenne Autumn: Analysis of Major Characters" explores the complex dynamics and motivations of key figures within the Northern Cheyenne's struggle during their journey to return to their homeland. Central to the narrative is Little Wolf, a cautious leader who harbors deep distrust for whites and seeks to guide his people back to Montana despite internal rivalries and personal jealousy. Dull Knife, another leader, symbolizes hope and naivety, believing in the Army's promises, but ultimately grapples with feelings of failure after his plans unravel. Young warrior Little Finger Nail emerges as a leader in a time of crisis, but his journey ends tragically, leaving behind a symbolic record of their struggles.
Other notable figures include Wild Hog, who takes charge during a critical moment, and Black Coyote, a disruptive force whose actions lead to dire consequences. The perspectives of women and children, like Comes-in-Sight and Yellow Swallow, offer additional layers to the narrative, highlighting the personal costs of conflict. Additionally, the portrayal of military figures, such as Colonel Carlton and Captain Wessells, provides insight into the broader historical context of the Cheyenne's plight. Together, these characters reflect the resilience and struggles of the Northern Cheyenne as they navigate a turbulent and often violent landscape in their quest for survival and autonomy.
Cheyenne Autumn: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Mari Sandoz
First published: 1953
Genre: Novel
Locale: the Great Plains, from Indian Territory to the Yellowstone Country
Plot: Historical realism
Time: 1878–1879
Little Wolf, also called Brave Man, the bearer of the Sacred Chief's bundle and one of the Old Man Chiefs. In his prime at the age of fifty-seven, Little Wolf is one of two leaders attempting to take their Northern Cheyenne back to their Montana homeland from the hated Indian Territory. Distrustful of whites, he believes that their promises are no more than “wind on the grass.” When the group divides at the Platte River, with Dull Knife hoping to reach safety at Red Cloud's agency nearby, Little Wolf takes his followers to their original destination in the north. His one weakness is his jealousy of Thin Elk.
Dull Knife, also an Old Man Chief. Once a famed warrior, now, in his sixties, he wants only to return north. He naïvely believes that the Army will honor its promise to let the Cheyenne return home from the intolerable southern agency. After their capture and their failed attempt to escape from Fort Robinson, Nebraska, he is embittered, a failure in his own eyes.
Little Finger Nail, a young warrior, sweet singer, and artist. In the absence of older leaders, he leads the tribal remnant in their thirteen-day escape from Fort Robinson. He is killed in their last encounter, at Warbonnet Creek. His book of pictographs recording their trek remains strapped to his back, with two bullet holes in it.
Wild Hog, a headman. Big and broad, standing 6 feet, 5 inches, he is married to a Sioux. When Dull Knife fails to take charge during their capture, he assumes leadership. Later, he attempts suicide, hoping that his family can then be sent to Red Cloud's nearby Sioux agency.
Black Coyote, a prominent subchief, inimical to the whites and a troublemaker for the leaders. After killing Black Crane, he is exiled as a renegade. Later captured and convicted of killing a soldier, he is hanged by whites.
Thin Elk, a joker, a ladies' man, and Little Wolf's nemesis. Once ordered to stay away from the chief's wives, he now flirts with a daughter. After the trek, Little Wolf, forgetting a chief's obligation to ignore personal problems, kills him and forfeits his leadership.
Black Crane, an elder, the experienced camp finder, a strong conservative influence. He is killed during an argument with the violent Black Coyote.
Bridge, the frail old medicine man, who sacrifices his health through fasting and prayer so that the Powers will aid the Cheyenne in their flight. Sometimes they help, but he is killed in the outbreak at Fort Robinson.
Comes-in-Sight, a Cheyenne maiden forced to kill her demented father to prevent him from raping her. Cheyenne law requires that she and her family be exiled, but they closely follow the sympathetic group.
Yellow Swallow, the sickly nine-year-old son of a Cheyenne and General George Custer. Brought on the flight by relatives, he returns south before reaching the Platte River.
Red Cloud, an Oglala Sioux about fifty-five years old. Although made a chief by the whites, he is held a virtual prisoner at his own agency. the Oglalas and Cheyenne are inter-married, but he cannot help his friends.
Brave One and Enemy, heroic women who survived two massacres before walking the entire distance to Fort Robinson, often carrying small children. They are killed at Warbonnet Creek, northwest of Fort Robinson.
Woman's Dress, a Sioux Army scout. Already considered a traitor to the Sioux Chief Crazy Horse, he leads the Army to the last stronghold of the Cheyenne who are attempting to escape from Fort Robinson.
Captain Little Flying Dutchman (Henry W.) Wessells, the short, light-haired commandant at Fort Robinson. A rigid follower of rules, he locks the Cheyenne into their barracks without food, heat, or water for days, attempting to force them to return to Indian Territory. When they break out, he kills, wounds, or captures more than two-thirds of them.
Lieutenant William Chase, a young officer in charge of the Cheyenne at Fort Robinson. Sympathetic to the Indians, he spends his pay on food and treats for them, but at Warbonnet Creek he aids Wessells in annihilating the remaining Indians.
Lieutenant White Hat (Philo) Clark, an ambitious, experienced Indian fighter. Little Wolf trusts him more than most whites and surrenders to him near Fort Keogh after Clark allows the band to keep their weapons and horses.
Colonel Caleb Carlton, who hunts the Cheyenne through Nebraska's sandhills and captures Dull Knife's people near Fort Robinson.
General Braided Beard (George) Crook, commander of the Department of the Platte. A superb Indian fighter, he nevertheless protests their treatment to Washington, to no avail.
General Bear Coat (Nelson A.) Miles, who is headquartered at Fort Keogh on the Yellowstone. He is an active campaigner against Indians, yet he allows Little Wolf's band to settle on their own reservation in Montana.
Edgar Beecher Bronson, a rancher near Fort Robinson. Sympathetic to the Cheyenne, he later writes a book giving the details of the outbreak.