"Comanche Moon" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

In the book "Comanche Moon," the main characters are Woodrow F. Call and Augustus "Gus" McCrae, who are Texas Rangers in the 19th century. They are tasked with maintaining law and order on the Texas frontier. The story revolves around their adventures and challenges, including their pursuit of the notorious outlaw Blue Duck. Other characters, such as Clara Forsythe, Inez Scull, Buffalo Hump, Pea Eye Parker, Jake Spoon, Maggie Tilton, and Ahumado, play significant roles in shaping the narrative and the development of the main characters.

Character Descriptions

• Woodrow F. Call: Woodrow Call is a stoic and disciplined Texas Ranger. He is known for his relentless pursuit of justice. He is described as tall, lean, and serious, with a stern face and piercing eyes. Call is respected by his fellow rangers for his unwavering commitment to duty.
• Augustus "Gus" McCrae: Gus McCrae is a charming and witty Texas Ranger. Unlike Call, he is more laid-back and enjoys the pleasures of life. Gus is described as a tall, lanky man with a rugged appearance and a mischievous smile. He is beloved by his companions for his humor and loyalty.
• Clara Forsythe: Clara is a resilient and independent woman who becomes the love interest of Gus McCrae. She is described as beautiful with fiery red hair and a strong spirit. Clara is a schoolteacher and brings a sense of civilization to the rugged Texas frontier.
• Inez Scull: Inez is a strong-willed and passionate woman who becomes involved with Woodrow Call. She is described as having dark hair, intense eyes, and a fierce demeanor. Inez challenges Call's stoicism and brings out a more vulnerable side of him.
• Blue Duck: Blue Duck is the primary antagonist of the story. He is a ruthless and sadistic outlaw who terrorizes the Texas frontier. Blue Duck is described as a menacing figure with a scarred face and a reputation for violence. He becomes a personal nemesis for Woodrow Call and Gus McCrae.
• Buffalo Hump: Buffalo Hump is the Comanche chief who leads his people in battles against the Texas Rangers and settlers. He is a formidable and respected warrior, known for his strategic skills and bravery. Buffalo Hump is described as a tall and imposing figure with a commanding presence.
• Pea Eye Parker: Pea Eye Parker is a loyal and dedicated Texas Ranger and close friend of Woodrow Call and Gus McCrae. He is described as small in stature but courageous. Pea Eye provides a sense of humor and camaraderie within the group.
• Jake Spoon: Jake Spoon is a former Texas Ranger who betrays his comrades and becomes an outlaw. He is a complex character torn between his loyalty to his friends and his desire for personal gain. Jake is described as charismatic and charming, but also selfish and unreliable.
• Maggie Tilton: Maggie Tilton is a prostitute who forms a relationship with Jake Spoon. She is described as beautiful, with a tragic past. Maggie's love for Jake complicates his choices and adds depth to his character.
• Ahumado: Ahumado is a Mexican bandit who becomes entangled in the conflicts between the Texas Rangers and the Comanche. He is cunning and dangerous, adding another layer of tension to the story.

Character Traits

• Woodrow F. Call: Call is disciplined, determined, and relentless. He is known for his strong sense of duty and unwavering commitment to justice. However, he can be emotionally distant and struggles with expressing his feelings.
• Augustus "Gus" McCrae: Gus is charismatic, witty, and adventurous. He brings humor and lightness to the group. Gus is a loyal friend and a romantic at heart, but he can also be impulsive and reckless.
• Clara Forsythe: Clara is intelligent, independent, and compassionate. She brings a sense of civility and culture to the Texas frontier. Clara is brave and resilient, with a strong desire for a better future.
• Inez Scull: Inez is strong-willed, passionate, and unafraid to challenge societal norms. She is fiercely loyal and protective of those she cares about. Inez has a fiery temper but also a capacity for deep love and understanding.
• Blue Duck: Blue Duck is cruel, violent, and devoid of empathy. He takes pleasure in causing pain and instilling fear. Blue Duck is cunning and manipulative, always staying one step ahead of his pursuers.
• Buffalo Hump: Buffalo Hump is wise, strategic, and fearless. He is deeply connected to his Comanche heritage and fights to protect his people's way of life. Buffalo Hump is a respected leader who commands loyalty and admiration.
• Pea Eye Parker: Pea Eye is loyal, brave, and dedicated. He is a reliable and steady presence within the group. Pea Eye possesses a dry sense of humor that helps to lighten tense situations.
• Jake Spoon: Jake is charming, charismatic, and opportunistic. He is motivated by self-interest and often makes reckless choices. Jake struggles with his moral compass and faces the consequences of his actions.
• Maggie Tilton: Maggie is resilient, compassionate, and scarred by her past. She longs for love and stability but is drawn to the excitement and danger of Jake's outlaw lifestyle.
• Ahumado: Ahumado is cunning, ruthless, and driven by self-preservation. He is a formidable adversary who uses his intelligence to outwit his enemies.

Character Background

• Woodrow F. Call: Woodrow Call grew up on a farm and joined the Texas Rangers to seek adventure and uphold justice. He is driven by a strong sense of duty and a desire to bring law and order to the Texas frontier.
• Augustus "Gus" McCrae: Gus McCrae comes from a wealthy family and joined the Texas Rangers to escape the expectations placed upon him. He values freedom and enjoys the camaraderie of his fellow rangers.
• Clara Forsythe: Clara Forsythe is a schoolteacher who moves to Lonesome Dove to escape her troubled past. She is determined to make a difference and bring education to the frontier.
• Inez Scull: Inez Scull is a Mexican immigrant who comes to Texas seeking a better life. She becomes involved with Woodrow Call and challenges his stoic nature.
• Blue Duck: Blue Duck is a half-Comanche, half-white outlaw with a troubled past. He seeks revenge against those who wronged him and finds pleasure in causing pain.
• Buffalo Hump: Buffalo Hump is a respected Comanche chief who fights to protect his people's way of life. He is deeply connected to his heritage and strives to maintain the traditions of his tribe.
• Pea Eye Parker: Pea Eye Parker is a loyal Texas Ranger who joined the force to escape poverty. He forms strong bonds with Woodrow Call and Gus McCrae.
• Jake Spoon: Jake Spoon is a former Texas Ranger who is enticed by the outlaw lifestyle. He is motivated by self-interest and often finds himself torn between loyalty and personal gain.
• Maggie Tilton: Maggie Tilton is a prostitute who seeks love and stability. She becomes involved with Jake Spoon and faces the challenges of her profession and personal choices.
• Ahumado: Ahumado is a Mexican bandit driven by a desire for power and wealth. He is willing to align himself with anyone who can further his interests.

Character Arcs

• Woodrow F. Call: Woodrow Call's character arc revolves around his journey from a stoic and emotionally distant individual to someone who learns to open up and embrace vulnerability. Through his relationship with Inez Scull, Call discovers that there is more to life than duty and justice.
• Augustus "Gus" McCrae: Gus McCrae's character arc explores his transition from a carefree and adventurous spirit to someone who realizes the importance of responsibility and commitment. Gus learns to balance his desire for freedom with the need to protect and care for those he loves.
• Clara Forsythe: Clara Forsythe's character arc focuses on her growth from a woman burdened by her past to someone who finds strength and purpose in shaping the future. Clara's relationship with Gus McCrae helps her overcome her fears and embrace a new beginning.
• Inez Scull: Inez Scull's character arc revolves around her transformation from a fierce and independent woman to someone who learns to trust and rely on others. Through her relationship with Woodrow Call, Inez discovers the power of love and vulnerability.
• Blue Duck: Blue Duck's character arc portrays his descent into further darkness and violence. As the primary antagonist, his actions become more heinous, and his thirst for revenge intensifies.
• Buffalo Hump: Buffalo Hump's character arc explores his struggle to maintain the traditions of his people in the face of encroaching settlers. He must make difficult decisions to protect his tribe's way of life.
• Pea Eye Parker: Pea Eye Parker's character arc focuses on his loyalty and dedication to his fellow rangers. He remains a steadfast presence amidst the challenges and dangers they face.
• Jake Spoon: Jake Spoon's character arc reveals his moral conflict and the consequences of his choices. He must confront the repercussions of his betrayal and face the reality of his actions.
• Maggie Tilton: Maggie Tilton's character arc revolves around her search for love and stability. Her relationship with Jake Spoon forces her to confront the consequences of her choices and find her own path.
• Ahumado: Ahumado's character arc portrays his pursuit of power and wealth. His cunning nature drives him to align himself with various factions, leading to unexpected alliances and betrayals.

Relationships

• Woodrow F. Call and Augustus "Gus" McCrae: Call and Gus share a deep bond forged through years of friendship and shared experiences as Texas Rangers. They complement each other, with Call's stoicism balancing Gus's lightheartedness.
• Gus McCrae and Clara Forsythe: Gus and Clara form a romantic relationship that challenges Gus's carefree nature. Clara brings stability and a sense of purpose to his life.
• Woodrow F. Call and Inez Scull: Call and Inez's relationship is passionate and tumultuous. Inez pushes Call to confront his emotions and break free from his rigid sense of duty.
• Blue Duck and Woodrow F. Call: Blue Duck becomes Call's personal nemesis, with their encounters fueling a deep-seated animosity between them.
• Buffalo Hump and Woodrow F. Call: Buffalo Hump and Call engage in a battle of wills, representing the clash between the Comanche way of life and the encroachment of settlers.
• Pea Eye Parker and Woodrow F. Call: Pea Eye's unwavering loyalty to Call strengthens their bond as fellow Texas Rangers.
• Jake Spoon and Maggie Tilton: Jake and Maggie's relationship is complicated by their differing desires and the consequences of Jake's choices.
• Jake Spoon and Woodrow F. Call: Jake's betrayal of his fellow rangers strains his relationship with Call, who struggles with forgiveness and trust.
• Ahumado and various characters: Ahumado's alliances and interactions with other characters are driven by his pursuit of personal gain and survival.

In conclusion, "Comanche Moon" by Larry McMurtry features a diverse cast of characters, each playing a significant role in shaping the narrative and the development of the main protagonists, Woodrow F. Call and Augustus "Gus" McCrae. The characters' backgrounds, traits, relationships, and character arcs contribute to the rich storytelling and exploration of themes such as loyalty, duty, love, and the clash of cultures on the Texas frontier.