# Bill Cronk — Barriers Burned Away character guide

> Bill Cronk in Barriers Burned Away by Edward Payson Roe.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Bill, Cronk, old Bill Cronk

**First appearance:** 0009-vii-a-good-samaritan

## Snapshot

A drover with a horny paw and a heart of gold, who claims Dennis as a friend the moment he is knocked off the bottle.

## Who they are

Bill Cronk greets Dennis with a slap on the back loud enough to startle the hungry people at the tables, and cheerfully admits he kicked like a mule when Dennis knocked the bottle from his hand. He speaks the offhand vernacular of his calling to men and a sentimental metaphor to ladies, which makes Christine shrink nearer Dennis even as she offers her hand. His rough loyalty tests Dennis's refusal to cut a humble friend, and his presence drags the story's polite world into contact with the streets it prefers to forget.

## Relationships

### [Dennis Fleet](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barriers_burned_away_se/characters/dennis_fleet)

_friendship_

Close friends and coworkers, with Bill often providing comic relief and loyal support.

### [Christine Ludolph](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barriers_burned_away_se/characters/christine_ludolph)

_social_

Acquaintances through Dennis, with Bill showing deference and occasional humor toward Christine.

### [Dennis Fleet](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barriers_burned_away_se/characters/dennis_fleet)

_friendship_

Close friends and coworkers, with Bill often providing comic relief and loyal support.

### [Christine Ludolph](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barriers_burned_away_se/characters/christine_ludolph)

_social_

Acquaintances through Dennis, with Bill showing deference and occasional humor toward Christine.

### [Dennis Fleet](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barriers_burned_away_se/characters/dennis_fleet)

_friendship_

Close friends and coworkers, with Bill often providing comic relief and loyal support.

### [Christine Ludolph](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barriers_burned_away_se/characters/christine_ludolph)

_social_

Acquaintances through Dennis, with Bill showing deference and occasional humor toward Christine.

## In the story

### [A Good Samaritan](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barriers_burned_away_se/chapters/vii-a-good-samaritan)

A profane but good-natured drover who befriends Dennis, offers him a drink (which Dennis declines), and suggests he shovel snow to earn money.

### [VIII: Yahcob Bunk](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barriers_burned_away_se/chapters/viii-yahcob-bunk)

Mentioned as the barroom acquaintance who suggested shoveling snow, though he is not present in the chapter.

### [Baron Ludolph Learns the Truth](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barriers_burned_away_se/chapters/xlii-baron-ludolph-learns-the-truth)

Reunites with Dennis and assists in rescuing Miss Brown, refusing a monetary reward.

### [Bill Cronk's Toast](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barriers_burned_away_se/chapters/xlix-bill-cronk-s-toast)

Makes a well-meaning but awkward toast about the union of Yankee and German, causing embarrassment and laughter.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barriers_burned_away_se/characters/bill_cronk
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barriers_burned_away_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barriers_burned_away_se/characters