Geronimo’s Story of His Life · Character

Cochise

Chiricahua Apache chief whose name still marks his people and whose son Naiche carries the hereditary leadership into Geronimo's last wars.

supporting

Also known as Chokonen Indians under Cochise

First appearance: XIII: Coming of the White Men

As a supporting figure in Geronimo’s Story of His Life, Cochise is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Prominent Apache leader mentioned in relation to Apache resistance and alliances.

In the storyPart I: The ApachesOpen this moment free

Cochise stands behind the book's central cast as the great Chiricahua chief whose band and lineage define who Naiche is—the illustrations name Naiche as son of Cohise, hereditary chief of the Chiricahua Apaches. His stature is such that his people are identified by him, the Chokonen under Cochise, and his son rides as Geronimo's lieutenant through the protracted Arizona wars. Though he belongs to an earlier chapter of Apache resistance, his legacy is the authority Naiche inherits and the standard against which the next generation's leaders are measured.

See Cochise in Part I: The Apaches Book page

Free preview opens at this moment — character cards, Character Web, and themes sit beside the text as you read.

Character Web

21 connections

A slice of how Cochise sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Friendship
Other

Character groups

Key Figures in Geronimo's Story
Protagonist
Apache Allies and Cultural Figures

+16 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Falling action.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This is the story's dramatic climax because Geronimo experiences his greatest emotional and psychological low—…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

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Relationships

Geronimo
friendship · positive
Cochise and Geronimo were allied Apache leaders who fought together against Mexican and… How this plays out →
William Berne
professional · ambivalent
Captain Lawton
rivalry · negative
Naiche
family · positive
Mr. George Wratton
social · ambivalent

Geronimo
Cochise and Geronimo were allied Apache leaders who fought together against Mexican and American forces, sharing a bond of mutual respect and warrior kinship.
William Berne
William Berne was an interpreter and intermediary who communicated with Cochise during peace negotiations.
Captain Lawton
Captain Lawton, as a U.S. cavalry officer, was involved in military actions against Cochise and his band.
Naiche
Naiche was the son of Cochise, inheriting his father's role as a chief and continuing the Apache struggle.
Mr. George Wratton
Mr. George Wratton was a white settler or agent who had dealings with Cochise, likely in a trade or negotiation context.

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See Cochise in XIII: Coming of the White Men

In the story

Cochise appears across 9 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Part I: The Apaches
Prominent Apache leader mentioned in relation to Apache resistance and alliances.
II: Subdivisions of the Apache Tribe
Former chief of the Chokonen (Chiricahua) Apaches.
VI: Kas-Ki-Yeh
Chief of the Chokonen (Chiricahua) Apaches; holds a council at dawn and agrees to join the war against Mexico after Geronimo's plea.
Part II: The Revenge
Chief of the Chokonen Apaches; calls a council at dawn and agrees to join the alliance.
Part III: The White Men
Mentioned as a leader of the Chokonen Indians during early encounters.
XIII: Coming of the White Men
Chief who commanded the Bedonkohe and Chokonen Apaches in the retaliatory fight after the attack.
XIV: Greatest of Wrongs
Leads a band of Chokonen Indians that joins Geronimo's group during a battle; takes command of both divisions.
Removals
Received twelve steers during the beef issue at Apache Pass under General Howard's arrangement.
Endnotes
Cochise and his tribe were lured into a military camp under promise of a treaty, but handcuffs were put on them; Cochise cut his way out and surrounded the camp with warriors.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Cochise unlock in the free preview.

See Cochise in XIII: Coming of the White Men

See Cochise in Part I: The Apaches