Fools Crow: Analysis of Major Characters
"Fools Crow" is a novel that follows the coming-of-age story of a Pikuni Blackfeet youth known as Fools Crow, who faces various challenges and ultimately transforms into a respected leader. Initially deemed unlucky due to his inability to capture horses or secure wives, Fools Crow undergoes a significant personal evolution with the guidance of the healer Mik-api, developing courage and strength as he participates in horse raids and war parties. His journey reflects themes of bravery, generosity, and selflessness.
Key characters enrich the narrative, including Rides-at-the-door, Fools Crow's father, a wise and just figure who serves as an advisor to the chief and exemplifies quiet strength and honor. Fast Horse, Fools Crow's boastful friend, embodies ambition and the consequences of failure, ultimately leading him down a darker path. Yellow Kidney, a courageous warrior, plays a pivotal role in recognizing Fools Crow's potential, while his own experiences of capture and transformation serve as a critical lesson in resilience. Running Fisher, Fools Crow's younger brother, struggles with his identity and ultimately faces his fears, signifying personal growth through adversity. Lastly, Feather Woman, a legendary figure, acts as a spiritual guide for Fools Crow, connecting him to his cultural heritage and future. Together, these characters collectively illustrate the complexities of identity, honor, and the challenges faced by the Pikuni tribe.
Fools Crow: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: James Welch
First published: 1986
Genre: Novel
Locale: Montana Territory
Plot: Historical realism
Time: 1869–1870
Fools Crow (earlier called White Man's Dog), a Pikuni Blackfeet youth. He is considered to be unlucky because in eighteen winters he has captured no horses and has no wives. His first vision quest has failed. With the aid of the healer Mik-api, Fools Crow acquires courage and strength, distinguishing himself in the horse-raiding party and later the war party against the Crows. In his coming of age, Fools Crow evolves from an uncertain young man to a generous, brave, and selfless hero. He becomes a hunter, warrior, healer, and leader of the Pikunis. Ultimately, he is chosen to foresee and to witness the near destruction of his tribe.
Rides-at-the-door, Fools Crow's father, a wise man and adviser to the chief of the Lone Eaters. Years ago, he took as wife the mother of Fools Crow and her younger sister. When he takes a young third wife out of kindness to her father, it is an unfortunate choice, because she is treated like a servant by the older wives and like a daughter by Rides-at-the-door. After his son Running Fisher is found with the young wife, Rides-at-the-door blames himself for failing them both. Because he is a just man, he does not punish her according to custom but releases her from the marriage, gives her four horses, and sends her back to her father. He is pained that Running Fisher has not become a man like Fools Crow. Rides-at-the-door is a quiet, thoughtful model of manhood who lives by honor. He listens, speaking rarely, but his voice is respected in council and his advice is valued.
Fast Horse, Fools Crow's boastful friend. Fast Horse invites him on the horse raid and arranges for a ceremonial sweat to give them strong medicine. On the journey to the Crow camp, Fast Horse dreams that the spirit Cold Maker tells him that their raid will be successful if he will uncover an ice spring now blocked by rocks. When he cannot find the spring, the ambitious Fast Horse becomes sullen. This failure colors his life. Although his loud boasts during the raid cause Yellow Kidney to be captured and mutilated, Fast Horse denies any responsibility. He angrily blames all of his misfortunes on Cold Maker. In the end, he joins the outlaw band of Owl Child.
Yellow Kidney, the courageous Pikuni warrior who leads the horse-raiding party against the Crow camp. He is a good judge of young men, rightly mistrustful of Fast Horse and one of the first to perceive the steadiness of Fools Crow. Fools Crow learns much from this man. When Yellow Kidney is captured and maimed, he survives under incredible conditions, but he returns to the Lone Eaters camp a changed man—he has lost his spirit. As Fools Crow's father-in-law, he has a final happy vision of his future grandson before his death.
Running Fisher, Fools Crow's younger brother. Formerly a confident youth, he loses his courage when the Pikuni war party encounters a solar eclipse, but he cannot speak of this. He covers his shame with arrogance. When Running Fisher is discovered with Rides-at-the-door's young wife, he becomes a man at last, accepting his banishment with dignity and regret.
Feather Woman, the legendary Pikuni woman who married Morning Star and is the mother of Scarface, who taught the Pikuni the sacred Sun Dance. Feather Woman is the gentle guide of Fools Crow on his final vision quest, painting for him scenes from a time to come.