"Crazy Horse and Custer" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

In "Crazy Horse and Custer" by Stephen E. Ambrose, the main characters are Crazy Horse and General Custer. They play pivotal roles in the events leading up to the Battle of Little Bighorn, one of the most famous battles in American history. Other important characters include Sitting Bull, Chief Gall, Captain Benteen, Major Reno, Colonel Gibbon, and Colonel Crook.

Character Descriptions

Crazy Horse

Crazy Horse was a prominent Lakota Sioux warrior who played a significant role in the Battle of Little Bighorn. He was known for his exceptional bravery, tactical skills, and leadership qualities. Crazy Horse had a strong sense of spirituality and was deeply connected to his Lakota heritage. He was known for his flowing hair and distinctive appearance, which earned him his name. Crazy Horse was deeply respected by his people and was considered one of the greatest Native American warriors.

General Custer

General Custer was a U.S. Army officer and the commander of the 7th Cavalry Regiment. He played a central role in the conflicts between the U.S. government and Native American tribes during the American Indian Wars. Custer was known for his flamboyant personality, ambition, and bravery. He had a reputation for taking risks and pursuing glory on the battlefield. However, his brash leadership style ultimately led to his demise at the Battle of Little Bighorn.

Sitting Bull

Sitting Bull was a Hunkpapa Lakota leader and spiritual figure. He was considered a visionary and played a crucial role in uniting the Lakota and other tribes against the encroachment of white settlers. Sitting Bull was known for his wisdom and his ability to inspire his people. He was a skilled orator and a fierce opponent of the U.S. government's policies towards Native Americans.

Chief Gall

Chief Gall was a Hunkpapa Lakota warrior and leader who fought alongside Crazy Horse at the Battle of Little Bighorn. He was known for his military prowess and strategic thinking. Chief Gall commanded a significant number of warriors during the battle and played a crucial role in the defeat of General Custer's forces.

Captain Benteen

Captain Benteen was a U.S. Army officer serving under General Custer in the 7th Cavalry Regiment. He played a crucial role in the Battle of Little Bighorn, particularly during the later stages of the conflict. Benteen's actions and decision-making during the battle have been a subject of debate among historians.

Major Reno

Major Reno was a U.S. Army officer who also served under General Custer in the 7th Cavalry Regiment. He led one of the initial attacks during the Battle of Little Bighorn but faced significant resistance from the Native American warriors. Reno's leadership during the battle has been a topic of discussion and analysis.

Colonel Gibbon

Colonel Gibbon was a U.S. Army officer who commanded a separate column of troops during the Battle of Little Bighorn. His forces arrived too late to participate in the main battle but played a role in the aftermath and the subsequent military campaigns against the Native American tribes.

Colonel Crook

Colonel Crook was a U.S. Army officer who played a significant role in the conflicts with Native American tribes during the American Indian Wars. While he does not have a direct role in the Battle of Little Bighorn, his actions and strategies in the broader context of the conflicts are important to understanding the events leading up to the battle.

Character Traits

Crazy Horse

• Brave
• Skilled warrior
• Respected leader
• Spiritual
• Connected to his Lakota heritage

General Custer

• Ambitious
• Brave
• Risk-taker
• Flamboyant
• Determined

Sitting Bull

• Visionary
• Wise
• Inspirational
• Skilled orator
• Fierce opponent of U.S. government policies

Chief Gall

• Skilled warrior
• Strategic thinker
• Leader
• Played a crucial role in the defeat of General Custer

Captain Benteen

• Loyal
• Tactical thinker
• Subject of debate among historians

Major Reno

• U.S. Army officer
• Led initial attacks during the Battle of Little Bighorn
• Subject of analysis and discussion

Colonel Gibbon

• U.S. Army officer
• Arrived late to the Battle of Little Bighorn
• Played a role in the aftermath and subsequent campaigns

Colonel Crook

• U.S. Army officer
• Important in the broader context of conflicts with Native American tribes

Character Background

Crazy Horse

Crazy Horse was born in 1840 near present-day Rapid City, South Dakota. He belonged to the Oglala Lakota tribe and grew up in a time when tensions between Native American tribes and white settlers were escalating. He became known for his bravery and leadership skills at a young age and quickly rose to prominence among his people. Crazy Horse played a crucial role in various conflicts with the U.S. government, including the Battle of Little Bighorn. He was tragically killed in 1877.

General Custer

General Custer was born in 1839 in New Rumley, Ohio. He graduated from West Point Military Academy and served in the U.S. Army during the American Civil War. Custer gained fame for his actions during the war and later became known for his role in the conflicts with Native American tribes. He led several expeditions and campaigns against the Lakota Sioux and Cheyenne tribes, ultimately leading to his death at the Battle of Little Bighorn in 1876.

Sitting Bull

Sitting Bull was born in 1831 near present-day Grand River, South Dakota. He belonged to the Hunkpapa Lakota tribe and became a respected leader and spiritual figure among his people. Sitting Bull played a significant role in resisting the encroachment of white settlers on Native American lands. He was involved in various conflicts with the U.S. government, including the Battle of Little Bighorn. After the battle, he fled to Canada but eventually returned to the United States, where he lived until his death in 1890.

Chief Gall

Chief Gall was born in 1840 near present-day Bullhead, South Dakota. He belonged to the Hunkpapa Lakota tribe and became known for his military prowess and leadership skills. Gall fought alongside Crazy Horse at the Battle of Little Bighorn, where he played a crucial role in the defeat of General Custer. After the battle, he continued to resist the U.S. government's efforts to control Native American lands.

Captain Benteen

Captain Benteen was born in 1834 in Petersburg, Virginia. He served in the U.S. Army during the American Civil War and later joined the 7th Cavalry Regiment under General Custer. Benteen's actions during the Battle of Little Bighorn have been a subject of debate among historians. After the battle, he continued his military career and served in various roles before retiring from the army in 1888.

Major Reno

Major Reno was born in 1834 in Carrollton, Illinois. He served in the U.S. Army during the American Civil War and later joined the 7th Cavalry Regiment under General Custer. Reno led one of the initial attacks during the Battle of Little Bighorn but faced significant resistance from the Native American warriors. After the battle, Reno continued his military career and served in various capacities before retiring in 1889.

Colonel Gibbon

Colonel Gibbon was born in 1823 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He served in the U.S. Army during the American Civil War and later commanded a separate column of troops during the Battle of Little Bighorn. Gibbon's forces arrived too late to participate in the main battle but played a role in the aftermath and subsequent military campaigns. He continued his military career and served in various posts before retiring in 1891.

Colonel Crook

Colonel Crook was born in 1828 in Taylorsville, Ohio. He served in the U.S. Army during the American Civil War and played a significant role in the conflicts with Native American tribes during the American Indian Wars. While he does not have a direct role in the Battle of Little Bighorn, his actions and strategies in the broader context of the conflicts are important to understanding the events leading up to the battle. Crook continued his military career and played a role in various campaigns against Native American tribes before retiring in 1890.

Character Arcs

Crazy Horse

Crazy Horse's character arc in "Crazy Horse and Custer" revolves around his transformation from a young warrior to a respected leader. Throughout the book, Crazy Horse's bravery and tactical skills are showcased, highlighting his rise in prominence among the Lakota Sioux. His character arc culminates in his crucial role in the Battle of Little Bighorn, where his leadership and military prowess contribute to the defeat of General Custer's forces.

General Custer

General Custer's character arc in the book portrays his ambition and desire for glory. From his early military career to his final moments at the Battle of Little Bighorn, Custer's character remains consistent in his pursuit of fame and success. However, his brash leadership and underestimation of the Native American tribes ultimately lead to his downfall.

Sitting Bull

Sitting Bull's character arc in the book focuses on his role as a visionary and leader. He is portrayed as a wise and inspirational figure who plays a crucial role in uniting the Lakota and other tribes against the encroachment of white settlers. Sitting Bull's character arc highlights his unwavering commitment to preserving the Native American way of life and resisting the U.S. government's policies.

Chief Gall

Chief Gall's character arc in the book showcases his military prowess and strategic thinking. As a key ally of Crazy Horse, Gall's character evolves from a skilled warrior to a respected leader. His role in the defeat of General Custer's forces solidifies his position as one of the prominent figures in Lakota history.

Captain Benteen

Captain Benteen's character arc in the book revolves around his actions and decision-making during the Battle of Little Bighorn. Benteen's role in the battle and his interactions with General Custer and other officers are analyzed and debated by historians. His character arc highlights the complexities and challenges faced by the officers involved in the conflict.

Major Reno

Major Reno's character arc in the book focuses on his role as a U.S. Army officer and his leadership during the Battle of Little Bighorn. Reno's actions during the battle and his subsequent military career are analyzed and discussed. His character arc highlights the challenges faced by the U.S. Army in their conflicts with the Native American tribes.

Colonel Gibbon

Colonel Gibbon's character arc in the book revolves around his role as a U.S. Army officer and his arrival at the Battle of Little Bighorn. While his forces arrive too late to participate in the main battle, Gibbon's character arc highlights the challenges faced by the U.S. Army in their efforts to control the Native American tribes.

Colonel Crook

Colonel Crook's character arc in the book focuses on his strategies and actions in the broader context of the conflicts with Native American tribes. While he does not have a direct role in the Battle of Little Bighorn, Crook's character arc highlights the complexities and challenges faced by the U.S. Army in their campaigns against the Native American tribes.

Relationships

Crazy Horse and General Custer

Crazy Horse and General Custer have an adversarial relationship in the book. They represent two opposing forces in the conflicts between the U.S. government and the Native American tribes. Their contrasting personalities, leadership styles, and motivations contribute to the tensions and ultimately the Battle of Little Bighorn.

Crazy Horse and Sitting Bull

Crazy Horse and Sitting Bull have a close and mutually respectful relationship in the book. They share a common goal of resistance against the U.S. government's policies and are united in their efforts to protect their people's way of life. Their alliance and collaboration play a crucial role in the events leading up to the Battle of Little Bighorn.

General Custer and Captain Benteen

General Custer and Captain Benteen have a complicated relationship in the book. Benteen serves under Custer's command but often questions and challenges his decisions. Their interactions during the Battle of Little Bighorn and the aftermath highlight the tensions and dynamics within the U.S. Army's leadership.

Major Reno and Captain Benteen

Major Reno and Captain Benteen have a professional relationship as fellow officers in the 7th Cavalry Regiment. Their actions and decisions during the Battle of Little Bighorn are closely intertwined, and their interactions shape the outcome of the battle.

Colonel Gibbon and General Custer

Colonel Gibbon and General Custer have a professional relationship as U.S. Army officers. Gibbon's arrival at the Battle of Little Bighorn highlights the coordination and collaboration between different military units. While they do not directly interact in the book, their actions and strategies contribute to the overall narrative.

Colonel Crook and General Custer

Colonel Crook and General Custer represent different approaches to dealing with the conflicts with Native American tribes. Crook's strategies and actions in the broader context of the conflicts provide a contrasting perspective to Custer's brash leadership style. Their relationship is one of ideological differences and strategic choices.