"The Holy Road" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

In "The Holy Road" by Michael Blake, each character plays a specific role within the narrative. The protagonist, Dances with Wolves (John Dunbar), is the central figure and the story revolves around his experiences and interactions with the Comanche tribe. Stands with a Fist serves as his love interest and provides emotional support throughout the story. Kicking Bird acts as a mentor to Dances with Wolves, guiding him in his journey of understanding the Comanche culture. Ten Bears is the respected chief of the tribe who plays a pivotal role in shaping the events of the story. Lieutenant Elgin serves as the antagonist, representing the opposing forces of the U.S. Army. Other characters such as Wind In His Hair, Smiles A Lot, Cisco, Black Shawl, Otter, and Stone Calf contribute to the overall narrative and provide depth to the Comanche tribe.

Character Descriptions

• Dances with Wolves (John Dunbar): The protagonist of the story, Dances with Wolves, is a former Union army officer who befriends and eventually becomes a member of the Comanche tribe. He is depicted as a curious and open-minded individual who seeks to understand and embrace the Native American way of life.
• Stands with a Fist: Stands with a Fist is a young woman who was captured and raised by the Comanche tribe after her family was killed by Pawnee warriors. She serves as a bridge between the Comanche culture and the world of the white settlers. She is portrayed as strong-willed and resilient.
• Kicking Bird: Kicking Bird is an influential member of the Comanche tribe and serves as a mentor to Dances with Wolves. He is wise, patient, and deeply knowledgeable about Comanche traditions and customs.
• Ten Bears: Ten Bears is the respected chief of the Comanche tribe. He possesses a calm demeanor and is known for his wisdom and leadership skills. Ten Bears plays a crucial role in negotiating and maintaining peace between the Comanche tribe and the white settlers.
• Wind In His Hair: Wind In His Hair is a Comanche warrior and a close friend of Dances with Wolves. He is fiercely loyal and protective of his tribe and plays a significant role in the conflicts that arise throughout the story.
• Lieutenant Elgin: Lieutenant Elgin is an antagonist in the story, representing the U.S. Army and the encroachment of white settlers on Native American lands. He is depicted as arrogant, ruthless, and determined to eradicate the Comanche tribe.
• Smiles A Lot: Smiles A Lot is a tribal member of the Comanche tribe who provides comic relief in the story. He is known for his cheerful and jovial nature.
• Cisco: Cisco is a Comanche warrior who exhibits bravery and loyalty towards his tribe. He actively participates in the battles against the U.S. Army.
• Black Shawl: Black Shawl is a Comanche woman and the wife of Kicking Bird. She is portrayed as a strong and respected member of the tribe.
• Otter: Otter is a Comanche warrior who is skilled in hunting and warfare. He is fiercely dedicated to protecting his people and their way of life.
• Stone Calf: Stone Calf is another Comanche warrior who joins the battle against the U.S. Army. He is depicted as strong and courageous.

Character Traits

• Dances with Wolves: Brave, curious, open-minded, adaptable, compassionate.
• Stands with a Fist: Strong-willed, resilient, compassionate, empathetic.
• Kicking Bird: Wise, patient, knowledgeable, influential.
• Ten Bears: Calm, wise, respected, diplomatic.
• Wind In His Hair: Loyal, protective, fierce, hot-tempered.
• Lieutenant Elgin: Arrogant, ruthless, determined, oppressive.
• Smiles A Lot: Cheerful, jovial, humorous.
• Cisco: Brave, loyal, skilled, determined.
• Black Shawl: Strong, respected, supportive, nurturing.
• Otter: Dedicated, skilled, protective, brave.
• Stone Calf: Strong, courageous, determined, fierce.

Character Background

Dances with Wolves, originally known as John Dunbar, is a Union army officer who, disillusioned with the Civil War, ventures westward to find a new purpose. He encounters the Comanche tribe and becomes deeply fascinated by their culture, eventually joining them. Stands with a Fist, a young woman who was captured and raised by the Comanche after her family's tragic death, becomes a pivotal figure in Dances with Wolves' journey. Kicking Bird, Ten Bears, Wind In His Hair, and other members of the Comanche tribe have a rich cultural background rooted in their traditions, rituals, and close connection with nature. Lieutenant Elgin represents the encroachment of the U.S. Army on Native American lands, symbolizing the clash between two vastly different worlds.

Character Arcs

Dances with Wolves undergoes a significant character arc throughout the story. Initially isolated and disconnected from his own identity, he finds purpose and a sense of belonging within the Comanche tribe. He immerses himself in their culture, learns their language, and becomes an integral part of their community. His arc involves a transformation from a disillusioned soldier to a bridge between the Native American and white settler cultures.

Stands with a Fist also experiences growth and transformation as she navigates her dual cultural identity. Through her relationship with Dances with Wolves, she learns to reconcile her past and embrace her Comanche heritage while also retaining a connection to her white settler roots.

Relationships

Dances with Wolves and Stands with a Fist's relationship is a central aspect of the story. Their connection serves as a bridge between the Comanche and white settler cultures, showcasing the potential for understanding and harmony between two seemingly opposing worlds.

Dances with Wolves' relationship with Kicking Bird is one of mentorship, with the latter guiding and educating him about the Comanche traditions and customs. Kicking Bird's wife, Black Shawl, provides support and nurturance to both Dances with Wolves and Stands with a Fist.

The relationship between Dances with Wolves and Ten Bears is one of mutual respect and admiration. Ten Bears recognizes Dances with Wolves' dedication to the tribe and entrusts him with important responsibilities.

Wind In His Hair and Dances with Wolves share a close friendship, built on loyalty and a shared understanding of the importance of preserving Comanche culture.

Lieutenant Elgin and Dances with Wolves have an adversarial relationship, representing the clash between the U.S. Army and the Native American tribes.

In summary, "The Holy Road" by Michael Blake presents a diverse range of characters with distinct roles, traits, and relationships. Through their interactions and character arcs, the novel explores themes of cultural identity, understanding, and the impact of colonization on Native American communities.