Cogewea

LaGrinder

Cogewea and LaGrinder are grandmother and granddaughter, with LaGrinder as the wise, traditional elder guiding Cogewea.

Alfred Densmore

Alfred Densmore is a suitor to Cogewea, but his interest is manipulative and self-serving, creating romantic tension.

Sis

Cogewea and Sis are sisters, sharing a close bond with occasional rivalry over cultural identity.

The Easterner

The Easterner is a romantic interest for Cogewea, representing the outside world and a potential escape from her dual heritage.

Shoyahpee

Shoyahpee is Cogewea's brother, and they share a close sibling bond with mutual respect.

Bob

Bob is a ranch hand and friend to Cogewea, offering practical support and camaraderie.

Wanawish

Wanawish is Cogewea's brother, and they share a supportive sibling relationship.

Mary McDonald

Cogewea and Mary McDonald share a friendly relationship, with Mary as a confidante and community member.

LaGrinder

Cogewea and LaGrinder are grandmother and granddaughter, with LaGrinder as the wise, traditional elder guiding Cogewea.

LaGrinder

Cogewea and LaGrinder are grandmother and granddaughter, with LaGrinder as the wise, traditional elder guiding Cogewea.

Alfred Densmore

Alfred Densmore is a suitor to Cogewea, but his interest is manipulative and self-serving, creating romantic tension.

Sis

Cogewea and Sis are sisters, sharing a close bond with occasional rivalry over cultural identity.

Cogewea, the Half-Blood

Introduced as the central character, a half-blood woman navigating two cultures.

I: Cogewea the Half-Blood

The protagonist, a half-blood woman, introspective about her identity and future, respected by the rangers.

II: The Roundup at Horseshoe Bend

Helps with housework during the roundup, expresses restlessness, plays a trick on LaGrinder, and confronts a rattlesnake after being thrown from her horse.

A Range Idyl

Contemplates becoming an authoress, receives letters about family visit, and shows spirited independence.

IV: Cogewea Hires the Tenderfoot

Rides to Polson, muses on the 'breed' experience, and hires Densmore.

V: The Tenderfoot's Bronco Riding

Defends her decision to hire Densmore, engages him in conversation, and later takes responsibility for his care after his injury.

VI: The Fourth of July

Eager to race, she enters her horses Diamond and White Star in the ladies' and squaw races. She shows concern for Densmore's injuries but is drawn to the excitement of the day.

VII: The “Ladies’ ” and the “Squaw” Races

Wins the ladies' race but is denied her prize due to racial prejudice; defiantly rejects the tainted money.

VIII: The Indian Dancers

Participates in the friendship dance, receives a horse as a gift, and hurries home to attend to Densmore.

Under the Whispering Pines

Acts as nurse, writes Densmore's letter, and shows her independence and wariness of his intentions.

X: Lo! The Poor 'Breed'

Rages at a book's portrayal of breeds, defends her mixed-race identity, and expresses frustration with both white and Indian communities.

At the Teepee Fireside

Visits her grandmother, discusses customs and marriage, and is warned about Densmore's intentions.

XII: On Buffalo Butte

Cogewea flees to Buffalo Butte to escape her conflicting emotions about Densmore and the warnings of her grandmother. She is found by Jim and reveals her sadness and loneliness.

XIII: A Visit to Stemteemä’s Teepee

Acts as a cultural interpreter, explaining the peace pipe ritual to Densmore. She is torn between her admiration for Jim and her growing interest in Densmore.

XV: The Superior Race

Engages in a fierce debate with Densmore about racial superiority, defends her people's history and traditions, and rejects his advances.

On the Old Buffalo Grounds

Rides to Buffalo Butte, reflects on the buffalo's significance, and argues with Densmore about Indian rights and marriage.

XVII: Frenchy—Toy of the Cowboys

Interacts with Frenchy upon his arrival, amused by his attempts to speak English; later, Densmore's schemes target her.

XVIII: Swa-lah-kin

Grows more fond of Densmore but is conflicted about her identity as a breed; interprets the storm as a bad omen.

XIX: The Story of Green-blanket Feet

Listens to the grandmother's story but rebels against the advice to stop seeing Densmore.

Back to the Ranch

Watches the outfit return, greets Jim with a mix of anger and affection, and is troubled by Densmore's insistence on tribal marriage.

The Basket Social

Cogewea brings two baskets to the social, tricks Jim into buying the canoe basket, and dines with Densmore. She is playful and cunning, showing her independence and wit.

XXIV: The Second Coming of the Shoyahpee

The object of the Stemteemä's concern; her relationship with Densmore is the source of the grandmother's distress.

XXV: Voice of the Autumn Leaves

Becomes engaged to Densmore, but remains unaware of his deceitful plot.

XXVI: Stemteemä Consults the Sweat House

Haunted by the ill-omened sign of the broken stone, she meets with Densmore to plan a visit to her grandmother.

XXVII: The Forked Tongue of the Shoyahpee

Pleads with her grandmother for consent to marry Densmore, but is devastated by the refusal.

XXVIII: The Sentinel at the Rock

Withdraws a thousand dollars from the bank, feeling anxious and regretful about her decision to elope. She is later robbed and bound by Densmore.

XXX: The Cost of Knowing

Found unconscious and bound by Densmore. She recounts the betrayal, refuses revenge, and decides to return to the Okanogan, acknowledging she should have heeded Stemteemä's warnings.

XXXI: A Voice from the Buffalo Skull

Still grieving and despondent, but finds new hope and love with Jim after learning of her inheritance.