Synopsis
Covers the whole plot, including the ending.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Pacing
- Moderate
- Mood
- Gritty, Resolute, Classic Western, Action-packed
- Read it if
- You enjoy classic Westerns with strong, stoic protagonists and clear-cut moral lines, featuring shootouts and a focus on honor and justice in a lawless land.
- Skip it if
- You prefer complex character studies, morally ambiguous plots, or historical fiction with deep dives into social commentary rather than action and direct conflict.
Resolution Plot Summary
Covers the whole plot, including the ending.
Arrival in Resolution
After the violent events in Appaloosa, Everett Hitch rides west, arriving in the dusty town of Resolution. The town has mostly saloons and brothels, with little established business or law. Hitch, practical and observant, quickly assesses the place. He gets a job as a lookout at Amos Wolfson's Blackfoot Saloon, a spot that lets him watch the town's early power struggles. His reputation and quiet authority are known, or quickly established, as he settles into this new, lawless frontier, seeking some peace after past conflicts.
Establishing Authority at the Blackfoot Saloon
At the Blackfoot Saloon, Everett Hitch's role soon goes beyond just watching for trouble. He quietly becomes a protector for the women working there, especially the young prostitute, Cat. He shows a calm but firm resolve against anyone who would exploit or harm them. Hitch's presence deters trouble, and his measured responses to small problems quickly make him a respected authority in the saloon. He carries his eight-gauge shotgun, a sign of his readiness to enforce his own justice in a town without formal law.
Confrontation with Koy Wickman
The peace at the Blackfoot Saloon ends with Koy Wickman's arrival. Wickman is a ruthless enforcer for Eamon O'Malley, the powerful owner of the local copper mine. Wickman tries to show O'Malley's power over Resolution, specifically targeting the saloon and its women. Hitch, however, stands firm. In a tense moment, Hitch, with his usual calm and deadly skill, disarms and humiliates Wickman. This removes the immediate threat and sends a clear message that he will not let O'Malley's men dictate terms. This action solidifies Hitch's reputation as a man not to be challenged.
Virgil Cole's Arrival
Despite his success with Koy Wickman, Everett Hitch knows the conflict with Eamon O'Malley is not over. Tensions continue, and Hitch is relieved when his long-time friend and partner, Virgil Cole, arrives in Resolution. Cole's presence instantly changes things, giving Hitch a trusted ally who shares his moral code and fighting ability. Their reunion means the forces of order are stronger against O'Malley's growing influence, and their combined presence makes Resolution a tougher challenge for O'Malley's plans.
O'Malley's Expansionist Ambitions
Eamon O'Malley, the mine owner, increases his efforts to control Resolution. He systematically buys the town's few businesses, often through threats, and pressures local ranchers to sell their land. O'Malley wants complete economic and political control over the region, consolidating his power and removing any opposition to his mining. His actions show a clear disregard for the community and a willingness to use any means to get what he wants, setting him on a direct path against Hitch and Cole.
Ranchers' Resistance and Alliance
Facing Eamon O'Malley's aggressive tactics, the independent ranchers around Resolution find common ground in their shared threat. They know O'Malley's expansion will destroy their livelihoods. This loose group begins to organize a resistance. They seek to protect their land and independence from the mine owner. Their growing defiance counters O'Malley's power, setting the stage for a larger conflict that Hitch and Cole become central to.
Hitch and Cole's Intervention
As the conflict grows, Everett Hitch and Virgil Cole are increasingly drawn into the war between Eamon O'Malley's men and the local ranchers. Guided by their strong sense of justice and their desire to protect the vulnerable, they naturally side with the ranchers. They become leaders and strategists for the resistance, using their experience in maintaining order and fighting to counter O'Malley's larger numbers. Their presence encourages the ranchers and gives strength to the opposition.
Skirmishes and Rising Tensions
The confrontation between O'Malley's forces and the ranchers, supported by Hitch and Cole, intensifies. There are several skirmishes and violent acts, as O'Malley's hired guns try to scare the ranchers and take their property. Hitch and Cole lead the resistance in defending their land. These encounters involve ambushes, shootouts, and sabotage, each raising the tension and bringing the groups closer to full war. Resolution's lawless nature means these conflicts happen quickly and brutally, with no outside authority to intervene.
The Standoff at the Mine
The conflict ends in a major standoff. Hitch and Cole, with the united ranchers, decide to take the fight directly to Eamon O'Malley's base—the copper mine. This move aims to cripple O'Malley's operations and end his rule. They meticulously prepare for this fight, with Hitch and Cole using their experience to plan their attack, anticipating O'Malley's defenses and his gunmen's tactics. The stage is set for a final, violent showdown that will decide the future of Resolution.
The Final Battle
The main battle happens at the copper mine. Hitch and Cole, leading the ranchers, fight a fierce and bloody conflict against O'Malley's many, well-armed men. The fight is chaotic and brutal, with casualties on both sides. Hitch and Cole show their exceptional combat skills, planning, and courage, turning the tide against O'Malley's superior numbers. The conflict tests their resolve, their friendship, and their ability to bring order to a lawless land, leading to the defeat of O'Malley's forces and a fragile peace.
Resolution Characters
Everett Hitch
Protagonist
A quiet, observant, and deadly enforcer of his own moral code.
Everett Hitch is a man of few words but profound action. Formerly of Wells Fargo, he carries an eight-gauge shotgun and a deep sense of justice. He is a keen observer of human nature and a master of strategy, always thinking several steps ahead. Hitch is fiercely protective of those he deems vulnerable, particularly women, and possesses an unwavering moral compass in a lawless world. He seeks a quiet life but is perpetually drawn into conflicts where his skills are needed to establish a semblance of order.
Relationships: Virgil Cole (Closest friend and trusted partner in enforcing justice.); Cat (A young prostitute he silently protects and cares for.); Amos Wolfson (His employer at the Blackfoot Saloon, a cautious ally.)
Virgil Cole
Protagonist
Hitch's loyal, equally capable partner in upholding justice.
Virgil Cole is Everett Hitch's steadfast friend and partner. He is a man of action, often more direct and impulsive than Hitch, but equally skilled in combat and dedicated to their shared moral code. Cole's presence provides a vital counterpoint and complement to Hitch's more reserved nature. He is fiercely loyal, courageous, and possesses an innate sense of right and wrong, making him an indispensable ally in their fight against injustice. His arrival in Resolution significantly bolsters their combined strength.
Relationships: Everett Hitch (Closest friend and trusted partner in enforcing justice.)
Eamon O'Malley
Antagonist
The ruthless, greedy owner of the copper mine, seeking total control.
Eamon O'Malley is the primary antagonist, a powerful and avaricious copper mine owner. He embodies unchecked corporate greed and a willingness to use intimidation, violence, and economic leverage to expand his empire. O'Malley views Resolution and its inhabitants as mere obstacles or resources to be exploited. He is cunning and ruthless, employing a cadre of hired guns to enforce his will, and believes his wealth and power make him untouchable. His ambition drives the central conflict of the story.
Relationships: Koy Wickman (Hired enforcer, a tool for O'Malley's intimidation tactics.)
Koy Wickman
Supporting
A brutal hired gun working for Eamon O'Malley.
Koy Wickman is a physically imposing and brutal enforcer employed by Eamon O'Malley. He is a man who thrives on violence and intimidation, acting as O'Malley's primary instrument for asserting control over Resolution. Wickman's initial confrontation with Hitch establishes the stakes and the ruthlessness of O'Malley's operation. He represents the direct, violent threat posed by O'Malley's empire, and his defeat at Hitch's hands serves as an early victory for the forces of resistance.
Relationships: Eamon O'Malley (Employer, Wickman is a loyal but ultimately dispensable enforcer.)
Cat
Supporting
A young prostitute at the Blackfoot Saloon, protected by Hitch.
Cat is a young woman working as a prostitute at the Blackfoot Saloon. She represents the vulnerable population in Resolution, often exploited and with little recourse to justice. Her quiet resilience and the implicit trust she places in Hitch highlight his protective nature. While not a central character in terms of action, her safety and well-being serve as a personal motivation for Hitch, embodying the innocent lives caught in the crossfire of O'Malley's ambitions.
Relationships: Everett Hitch (Protected by Hitch, who acts as her silent guardian.)
Amos Wolfson
Supporting
Owner of the Blackfoot Saloon and Hitch's employer.
Amos Wolfson is the owner of the Blackfoot Saloon, where Everett Hitch takes his initial job. He is a pragmatic businessman operating in a lawless town, more concerned with keeping his establishment running than with grand moral crusades. While initially cautious, he recognizes Hitch's capabilities and the order he brings. Wolfson becomes a tacit ally, providing a base of operations for Hitch and Cole, and represents the small-time business owners caught between O'Malley's power and the burgeoning resistance.
Relationships: Everett Hitch (Employer, later a cautious ally.)
The Ranchers
Supporting
A group of independent landowners threatened by O'Malley's expansion.
The ranchers are a collective of independent landowners whose livelihoods and property are directly threatened by Eamon O'Malley's aggressive expansion. They represent the established, albeit fragile, community of Resolution that O'Malley seeks to dismantle. Initially disorganized, their shared plight forces them to unite and resist. They are the 'people' that Hitch and Cole ultimately fight for, embodying the common folk seeking to protect their way of life from powerful, corrupt forces. Their collective strength, once unified, is crucial to the resistance.
Relationships: Everett Hitch (Look to Hitch and Cole for leadership and protection.); Virgil Cole (Look to Hitch and Cole for leadership and protection.)
Resolution Themes
Justice in a Lawless Land
The main theme is about creating justice where there is no formal law. Everett Hitch and Virgil Cole follow their own strict moral code, protecting the weak and punishing the wrongdoers when no other authority exists. This is clear in Hitch's immediate protection of the women at the Blackfoot Saloon and his quick, decisive handling of Koy Wickman. It shows that personal honor can replace institutional law in the untamed West. Their actions define justice in Resolution.
“In a place where law and order don’t exist, Hitch and Cole must make their own, guided by their sense of duty, honor, and friendship.”
The Price of Greed and Power
Eamon O'Malley's strong desire for land and resources drives the central conflict, showing the destructive results of unchecked power. His willingness to use threats, violence, and economic pressure to reach his goals highlights how ambition can corrupt and endanger a whole community. O'Malley's actions, from buying businesses to threatening ranchers, lead directly to the violent confrontation. This proves that power used without ethics brings its own downfall. His desire for control ultimately isolates him and leads to his defeat.
“He could almost smell trouble beginning to cook . . . .”
Brotherhood and Loyalty
The lasting friendship and loyalty between Everett Hitch and Virgil Cole are the emotional core of the story. Their partnership is built on mutual respect, shared principles, and a deep understanding of each other's abilities. Cole's timely arrival in Resolution provides not only practical help but also shows that even in dangerous situations, strong bonds give strength and purpose. Their shared history and trust allow them to face overwhelming odds, showing the power of true camaraderie.
“When greedy mine owner Eamon O’Malley threatens the loose coalition of local ranchers and starts buying up Resolution’s few businesses, Hitch and Cole find themselves in the middle of a makeshift war between O’Malley’s men and the ranchers.”
Frontier Life and the Absence of Order
The setting of Resolution itself is a main theme, showing the raw nature of the Old West where society is still forming. The town's lack of established law, its reliance on saloons and brothels for business, and the constant threat of violence highlight the difficulties of building a community from nothing. This environment forces people like Hitch and Cole to become the bringers of order, showing the delicate balance between freedom and chaos in frontier life. The story explores how a new society tries to define itself.
“It’s the kind of town that doesn’t have much in the way of commerce, except for a handful of saloons and some houses of ill repute.”
Plot Devices & Literary Techniques
The Quiet Protagonist
Everett Hitch's reserved nature belies his immense capability and moral strength.
Everett Hitch embodies the archetype of the quiet protagonist. His sparse dialogue and observant demeanor force the reader to focus on his actions and internal thoughts, which are often conveyed through his keen perception of his surroundings and other characters. This device builds suspense and emphasizes his formidable presence; his words are few, but his actions are decisive and impactful, making his interventions all the more powerful. His quietness contrasts sharply with the boisterous, often violent world he inhabits, highlighting his unique character.
The Steadfast Companion
Virgil Cole's arrival and unwavering support for Hitch.
The arrival of Virgil Cole serves as a classic 'steadfast companion' device. His presence immediately doubles the protagonists' strength, both physically and morally. Cole's loyalty and shared principles with Hitch provide a vital emotional anchor and practical reinforcement. This device not only heightens the stakes by making the protagonists a more formidable duo but also allows for dialogue that reveals more about Hitch's character through their interactions, deepening the narrative's emotional core and demonstrating the power of partnership.
The Corrupt Baron
Eamon O'Malley as the archetypal greedy industrialist.
Eamon O'Malley functions as the 'corrupt baron,' a classic antagonist in Westerns and historical fiction. He represents the encroaching forces of industrialization and unchecked capitalism that threaten the independent spirit of the frontier. This device provides a clear, powerful external threat against which the protagonists can define their moral code. O'Malley's vast resources and willingness to use violence underscore the challenges faced by those who seek to uphold justice against overwhelming power, making the eventual triumph of Hitch and Cole more significant.
The Vulnerable Community
Resolution and its inhabitants as a microcosm of frontier fragility.
The town of Resolution and its various inhabitants—from the prostitutes like Cat to the independent ranchers—serve as the 'vulnerable community' plot device. This collective vulnerability provides the primary motivation for Hitch and Cole's intervention. It illustrates the real-world consequences of a lawless environment and the destructive impact of O'Malley's greed. By focusing on the protection of these ordinary people, the narrative elevates the conflict beyond mere personal vendetta, framing it as a fight for the soul of a nascent society and giving the protagonists' actions greater moral weight.
Resolution Quotes
“It wasn't that he disliked the sea; it was simply that he preferred to deal with the things that stayed put.”
“The past is never dead. It's not even past.”
“He moved through the world like a man who had seen too much and understood even more.”
“There was a difference between knowing a thing and understanding it in your gut.”
“Justice was a slippery thing, often more about who held the power than who held the truth.”
“He had a face that looked like it had been used to stop a fight.”
“Sometimes the only way to get through it was to go through it.”
“The silence in the room was not empty, but full of unspoken things.”
“He preferred a good fight to a bad argument.”
“The truth was a weapon, and like all weapons, it could cut both ways.”
“There was a certain beauty in the way things fell apart, if you knew where to look.”
“He didn't trust men who smiled too much, especially when there was nothing to smile about.”
“Every man has his own demons, and some are bigger than others.”
“The world had a way of not caring about your intentions, only your results.”
Quiz
10 questions on the plot and the characters. Each answer comes with a short explanation.
Question 1
What is the name of the town Everett Hitch arrives in after leaving Appaloosa?
- Blackfoot
- Resolution
- Copper Creek
- O'Malley's Landing
Show answer
B. Resolution The text explicitly states that Everett Hitch 'ends up in Resolution, an Old West town so new the dust has yet to settle.'
Question 2
What is Everett Hitch's initial job in Resolution?
- Sheriff
- Copper miner
- Lookout at the Blackfoot Saloon
- Rancher
Show answer
C. Lookout at the Blackfoot Saloon The passage states, 'Hitch takes a job as lookout at Amos Wolfson’s Blackfoot Saloon'.
Question 3
What weapon does Everett Hitch carry with him from his time at Wells Fargo?
- A .45 caliber revolver
- An eight-gauge shotgun
- A Winchester rifle
- A Bowie knife
Show answer
B. An eight-gauge shotgun The opening line of the excerpt states, 'I had an eight-gauge shotgun that I’d taken with me when I left Wells Fargo.'
Question 4
Who is the friend whose arrival in Resolution relieves Everett Hitch?
- Amos Wolfson
- Koy Wickman
- Eamon O'Malley
- Virgil Cole
Show answer
D. Virgil Cole The text mentions, 'even the self-assured Hitch is relieved by the arrival in town of his friend Virgil Cole.'
Question 5
What is the primary business of Eamon O'Malley, the antagonist in Resolution?
- Saloon ownership
- Ranching
- Copper mining
- General store owner
Show answer
C. Copper mining Eamon O'Malley is described as the 'greedy mine owner' and sends an enforcer 'down from the O’Malley copper mine.'
Question 6
Besides saloons and houses of ill repute, what other type of commerce is noted as scarce in Resolution?
- Banks
- Dry goods stores
- Any other significant commerce
- Blacksmiths
Show answer
C. Any other significant commerce The text states, 'It’s the kind of town that doesn’t have much in the way of commerce, except for a handful of saloons and some houses of ill repute.' This implies a general lack of other businesses.
Question 7
What group of people does Eamon O'Malley threaten, leading to a 'makeshift war'?
- The saloon owners
- The local ranchers
- The town's few merchants
- The ladies working the backrooms
Show answer
B. The local ranchers The passage indicates, 'When greedy mine owner Eamon O’Malley threatens the loose coalition of local ranchers and starts buying up Resolution’s few businesses, Hitch and Cole find themselves in the middle of a makeshift war between O’Malley’s men and the ranchers.'
Question 8
What is the primary theme that guides Hitch and Cole in a town without established law and order?
- Personal enrichment and power
- Revenge and retribution
- Duty, honor, and friendship
- Establishing a formal government
Show answer
C. Duty, honor, and friendship The excerpt concludes with, 'In a place where law and order don’t exist, Hitch and Cole must make their own, guided by their sense of duty, honor, and friendship.'
Question 9
How does Everett Hitch initially handle Koy Wickman, the enforcer from the O'Malley copper mine?
- He tries to negotiate a peace treaty.
- He makes short work of him, implying a swift defeat.
- He avoids confrontation with him until Virgil Cole arrives.
- He hires Koy Wickman to work for him.
Show answer
B. He makes short work of him, implying a swift defeat. The text states, 'Though Hitch makes short work of hired gun Koy Wickman, tensions continue to mount...' This suggests a quick and decisive defeat of Wickman.
Question 10
What specific role does Everett Hitch take on, beyond his job as a lookout, regarding the women in the Blackfoot Saloon?
- He becomes their employer.
- He provides them with financial advice.
- He establishes his position as their protector.
- He teaches them self-defense.
Show answer
C. He establishes his position as their protector. The passage says Hitch 'quickly establishes his position as protector of the ladies who work the backrooms.'
Resolution FAQ
What is the primary setting of 'Resolution' and what kind of town is it?
The primary setting is Resolution, a new Old West town described as so nascent that the dust has yet to settle. It's characterized by a scarcity of legitimate commerce, primarily consisting of saloons and brothels, reflecting a frontier town's raw and untamed nature.
Who is Everett Hitch and what is his initial role in Resolution?
Everett Hitch is a former Wells Fargo agent who, after a bloody confrontation in Appaloosa, arrives in Resolution. He takes a job as a lookout at Amos Wolfson’s Blackfoot Saloon, establishing himself as a protector of the working women and a formidable presence against local toughs.
Who is the main antagonist in 'Resolution' and what are his motivations?
The main antagonist is Eamon O’Malley, the greedy owner of the O’Malley copper mine. His motivation is to expand his control and wealth by threatening local ranchers and systematically buying up the few businesses in Resolution, leading to conflict with Hitch and Cole.
How does Virgil Cole become involved in the events of Resolution?
Virgil Cole, Everett Hitch's long-time friend, arrives in Resolution, much to Hitch's relief as tensions escalate with O'Malley's men. Cole's arrival signals the formation of their familiar duo, ready to stand against injustice and maintain a semblance of order.
What kind of weapon does Everett Hitch favor, and what does it signify about his past?
Everett Hitch carries an eight-gauge shotgun, which he took with him when he left Wells Fargo. This powerful weapon signifies his past as a Wells Fargo agent, suggesting a history of dealing with dangerous situations and his readiness for conflict.
What is the significance of the 'loose coalition of local ranchers' and their conflict with O'Malley?
The ranchers represent the local, independent community threatened by O'Malley's corporate greed and expansion. Their loose coalition highlights the nascent stage of the town's social structure and their desperate need for protection against a powerful external force.
How does Hitch's role as 'protector of the ladies who work the backrooms' reflect his character?
This role demonstrates Hitch's inherent sense of justice and honor, extending his protection to the most vulnerable members of society in Resolution. It shows he is not just a gunfighter but a man with a moral compass, even in a lawless town.
What does the quick defeat of Koy Wickman by Hitch reveal about Hitch's capabilities?
Hitch's quick dispatch of Koy Wickman, the enforcer from the O'Malley mine, immediately establishes his formidable skill and reputation. It signals to both the town and the reader that Hitch is a highly capable and dangerous individual, not to be underestimated.
How does the lack of 'law and order' in Resolution shape the actions of Hitch and Cole?
The absence of formal law and order forces Hitch and Cole to act as their own arbiters of justice. Their decisions are guided by their personal sense of duty, honor, and loyalty to each other and the innocent, rather than by legal statutes, defining their unique moral code.
What does Everett Hitch mean by 'I could almost smell trouble beginning to cook . . . '?
This statement reflects Hitch's keen intuition and experience with impending danger. It suggests his deep understanding of human nature and the volatile atmosphere of the Old West, allowing him to sense conflict before it fully materializes.
How does the author use the metaphor of 'dust has yet to settle' to describe Resolution?
The metaphor emphasizes the town's newness and rawness, suggesting that its social order, power dynamics, and even physical structures are still forming. It implies instability and a readiness for conflict, as nothing is yet firmly established.
Is the conflict in 'Resolution' purely physical, or are there deeper themes at play?
While the conflict involves significant physical confrontations, deeper themes are at play, including the clash between corporate greed and individual liberty, the struggle for order in a lawless land, and the enduring bonds of friendship and duty in the face of adversity.
How does the relationship between Everett Hitch and Virgil Cole exemplify 'friendship' in the Old West context?
Their friendship is depicted as a cornerstone of their survival and moral compass. In a world without formal law, their mutual trust, shared sense of honor, and willingness to fight alongside each other define a deep, unwavering bond that allows them to impose their own brand of justice.
What is the significance of the title 'Resolution' for the town and the story's overall narrative?
The title 'Resolution' is ironic for a town initially defined by its lack of order and escalating conflict. It suggests the eventual outcome of the story, where Hitch and Cole are forced to bring about a resolution to the chaos, either through violence or the establishment of a new order.
How does 'Resolution' fit into Robert B. Parker's broader body of work, particularly his crime fiction?
'Resolution' showcases Parker's signature style of strong, morally driven protagonists operating in a world of complex ethics and violence, even though it's historical fiction. It retains his characteristic sharp dialogue and focus on justice, mirroring themes found in his Spenser or Jesse Stone series.
About the author
Robert B. Parker was an American author known for his contributions to the crime fiction genre. His notable works include "Early Autumn," "Promised Land," and "Resolution," which feature intricate plots and well-developed characters. Parker's writing often explores themes of morality and justice within the context of engaging narratives.
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