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No Country for Old Men
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"No Country for Old Men" Characters Analysis

Llewelyn Moss stumbles upon a drug deal gone wrong and is pursued by a relentless killer, while Sheriff Bell grapples with the changing nature of crime in the American West.

Estimated read time: 5 min read

List of Characters

NameRole
Llewelyn MossProtagonist
Anton ChigurhAntagonist
Sheriff BellSupporting Character
Carla Jean MossSupporting Character

Role Identification

Llewelyn Moss

Llewelyn Moss serves as the protagonist in the novel. He is a hunter who stumbles upon a drug deal gone wrong and takes off with a suitcase filled with two million dollars in cash.

Anton Chigurh

Anton Chigurh is the antagonist in the novel. He is a ruthless hitman who is relentless in his pursuit to recover the stolen money.

Sheriff Bell

Sheriff Bell is a supporting character who represents the old guard of law enforcement. He is determined to bring justice to the chaos caused by Moss and Chigurh.

Carla Jean Moss

Carla Jean Moss is Llewelyn's wife and a supporting character. She becomes entangled in the dangerous consequences of her husband's actions.

Character Descriptions

Llewelyn Moss

Llewelyn Moss is a Vietnam War veteran with a strong sense of independence and survival skills. He is resourceful and resilient, but also impulsive and stubborn.

Anton Chigurh

Anton Chigurh is a cold-blooded killer with a menacing presence. He operates by his own moral code, often using a coin toss to determine the fate of his victims.

Sheriff Bell

Sheriff Bell is an aging lawman who is troubled by the increasing violence and depravity in the world around him. He is wise and contemplative, but also haunted by his own limitations.

Carla Jean Moss

Carla Jean Moss is portrayed as a strong-willed and compassionate woman who becomes caught up in the deadly consequences of her husband's actions.

Character Traits

Llewelyn Moss

  • Resourceful
  • Stubborn
  • Impulsive
  • Independent
  • Resilient

Anton Chigurh

  • Ruthless
  • Menacing
  • Unpredictable
  • Methodical
  • Uncompromising

Sheriff Bell

  • Wise
  • Contemplative
  • Caring
  • Determined
  • Haunted

Carla Jean Moss

  • Strong-willed
  • Compassionate
  • Resilient
  • Independent
  • Devoted

Character Background

Llewelyn Moss

Llewelyn Moss grew up in rural Texas and served in the Vietnam War. After returning home, he lived a modest life with his wife, Carla Jean, until he stumbled upon the aftermath of a drug deal and made a fateful decision to take the money for himself.

Anton Chigurh

Anton Chigurh's background is shrouded in mystery, adding to his enigmatic and menacing presence. He operates as a remorseless killer, carrying out his duties with chilling precision.

Sheriff Bell

Sheriff Bell has a long history in law enforcement, following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather. He has witnessed the changing landscape of crime and violence, which weighs heavily on his conscience.

Carla Jean Moss

Carla Jean Moss grew up alongside Llewelyn in a small Texas town. She is portrayed as a strong and resilient woman who becomes embroiled in the dangerous events set in motion by her husband's actions.

Character Arcs

Llewelyn Moss

Moss's character arc is marked by his transformation from a simple hunter to a man consumed by greed and pursued by relentless danger. His journey reflects the consequences of his impulsive decisions.

Anton Chigurh

Chigurh's character arc showcases his unwavering commitment to his deadly pursuits, as well as his enigmatic and unyielding nature. His actions have a profound impact on those around him.

Sheriff Bell

Sheriff Bell's character arc is defined by his struggle to come to terms with the evolving criminal landscape and his own mortality. His introspective journey serves as a commentary on the changing nature of justice and morality.

Carla Jean Moss

Carla Jean's character arc revolves around her resilience and the harrowing ordeal she undergoes as a result of her husband's actions. Her strength is tested as she confronts the brutal realities of the world around her.

Relationships

Llewelyn Moss and Carla Jean Moss

The relationship between Llewelyn and Carla Jean is characterized by love and loyalty, but it is strained by the dangerous consequences of Llewelyn's actions. Carla Jean's unwavering devotion is tested as she becomes entangled in the deadly aftermath of her husband's choices.

Llewelyn Moss and Anton Chigurh

The relationship between Llewelyn and Anton Chigurh is one of cat-and-mouse pursuit, with Chigurh relentlessly tracking Moss to recover the stolen money. Their interactions are defined by tension and the looming threat of violence.

Llewelyn Moss and Sheriff Bell

The relationship between Llewelyn and Sheriff Bell is indirect, as Bell is determined to bring justice to the chaos caused by Moss's actions. Their paths intersect in the larger narrative of the novel, reflecting the clash between old and new ideologies.

Anton Chigurh and Sheriff Bell

The relationship between Chigurh and Sheriff Bell is marked by opposing forces, with Chigurh embodying the relentless and unpredictable nature of evil, while Bell represents the struggle for order and justice. Their dynamic encapsulates the larger themes of the novel.

In conclusion, "No Country for Old Men" features a cast of complex characters whose interactions drive the narrative and explore themes of morality, fate, and the consequences of one's choices. Each character's distinct traits, backgrounds, and arcs contribute to the novel's gripping exploration of human nature and the shifting tides of justice and violence.