The Green Mountain Boys: Analysis of Major Characters
The Green Mountain Boys refers to a group of Vermont patriots and their significant role in American history, particularly during the Revolutionary War. The analysis of major characters within this context highlights key figures such as Captain Charles Warrington, a fictional representation of Seth Warner, who embodies the struggles of landowners caught in the conflict between New York and New Hampshire. Other notable characters include Lieutenant Selden, who is romantically linked to Jessy Reed, Colonel Reed, a landowner who expels settlers, and Sergeant Donald McIntosh, a military figure overseeing the fort's garrison.
The narrative also introduces a variety of supporting characters, such as Zilpah, Jessy's servant of mixed heritage, and Neshobee, a Native American ally who aids Warrington. The interplay of relationships among these characters is pivotal, reflecting themes of loyalty, love, and resistance against oppression. Additionally, figures like Ethan Allen, a renowned leader of the Green Mountain Boys, contribute to the overarching narrative of rebellion and unity among the settlers. The story encompasses a rich tapestry of perspectives, showcasing the complexities of life in a tumultuous historical period. This character-driven analysis provides insight into the motivations and conflicts that defined the era, appealing to those interested in American revolutionary history and its cultural implications.
The Green Mountain Boys: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Daniel Pierce Thompson
First published: 1839
Genre: Novel
Locale: Vermont
Plot: Historical
Time: 1775–1776
Captain Charles Warrington, a fictional disguise for the Vermont patriot Seth Warner, who is the protagonist of a homespun American novel that achieved widespread popularity. Owner of land in dispute between New York and New Hampshire, Warrington is an outlaw who sometimes travels as “Mr. Howard.”
Lieutenant Selden later identified as Edward Hendee, Warrington's friend, who is in love with Jessy Reed.
Colonel Reed, who, after buying a land title in Albany, has expelled the settlers and fortified the region.
Jessy Reed, his daughter, who is captured at her father's fort by Selden. She eventually marries him.
Sergeant Donald McIntosh, who is in charge of the Reed fort's garrison.
Zilpah, Jessy Reed's half-Indian servant, who marries Neshobee.
Munroe, a New York sheriff in pursuit of Warrington.
Neshobee, a friendly Indian who brings Warrington a warning from Mrs. Story that a band of New Yorkers is planning an attack.
Ann Story, a widow who is resisting eviction from her farm. She has built an underground shelter for her family.
Jacob Sherwood, Munroe's guide and a Tory turncoat in the pay of New York. He loves Alma Hendee but does not win her.
Pete Jones, a Green Mountain Boy who captures and beats Sherwood.
Colonel Skene, with whose daughters Jessy Reed takes refuge.
Alma Hendee, whose family farms land on Lake Champlain. She marries Warrington.
Captain Hendee, her father, whose estate had been squandered by Sherwood's father.
Gilbert Hendee, the captain's brother, who is persuaded by Sherwood's father to will Jacob the estate if little Edward Hendee fails to reach maturity.
Ruth, Alma's maid, who marries Pete Jones in a quadruple wedding.
Bill Darrow, the partner of Sherwood, who, when dying, confesses to the kidnapping of Edward Hendee, and identifies Selden as the son of Captain Hendee.
Ethan Allen, the leader of the Green Mountain Boys. He sometimes travels as “Mr. Smith.” He brings the news of Lexington and Concord to the Green Mountain Boys.
Squire Prouty, a York justice of the peace captured by the Green Mountain Boys.
Benedict Arnold, who helps capture Fort Ticonderoga.