LIST OF CHARACTERS

Major

Art Croft - the narrator of the story, who is an intelligent man. He comes to Bridger's Wells, a town on the Western Divide, with his friend, Gil Carter. He desperately wants to be "accepted" by the men in the town. Fearing rejection, he joins the posse even though he is uncertain that it is the correct thing to do. During the novel, he becomes the confessor for several troubled men, including Davies and Sparks. Croft feels he is a failure when he cannot think of what to do in a difficult situation.

Gil Carter - Art's friend, who is a simple, but aggressive, cowhand. He has stayed with Art for five years. Although he is a big drinker, he is usually caring and supportive, as seen when he takes care of Art when he is wounded. He is the only member in the posse who has the courage to stop Tetley's actions, but he lets the opportunity pass.

Arthur Davies - the owner of the general store in the town. An admirable character who speaks out for justice, he tries hard to stop the posse in the absence of the Sheriff Risley, but does not succeed in preventing the lynching. He is the only member in the posse to confess his guilt.

Gerald Tetley - the son of Major Tetley. A sickly, sensitive, and effeminate young man, he is severely disliked by his father. During the novel, he criticizes men for being power hungry and hunting their own kinds. To keep his promise, he kills himself after the lynching takes place.

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