# Geronimo — Geronimo’s Story of His Life character guide > Geronimo in Geronimo’s Story of His Life by Geronimo. **Role:** major **Also known as:** XII Geronimo, Eva, Eva Geronimo **First appearance:** 0004-geronimo-s-story-of-his-life ## Snapshot Apache war chief who dictated his own life story as a prisoner at Fort Sill, insisting each day's words be written exactly as spoken. ## Who they are Geronimo narrates from a military reservation where he has been held a prisoner of war for two decades, trading his story for payment and dedicating it to President Roosevelt in hopes of justice for his people. Formal and reserved with strangers, he warms only when a visitor proves he has been wounded by a Mexican, then speaks his mind freely about his enemies. He refuses to talk before a stenographer and will not be questioned on the day he tells a portion of his life, telling his interpreter only, 'Write what I have spoken'—a stubborn dignity that shapes how the whole book comes to exist. ## Relationships ### [Naiche](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/geronimo_s_story_of_his_life_se/characters/naiche) _family_ Naiche was Geronimo's fellow chief and close companion, often acting as a brother-in-arms and loyal ally during their resistance. ### [Cochise](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/geronimo_s_story_of_his_life_se/characters/cochise) _friendship_ Cochise and Geronimo were allied Apache leaders who fought together against Mexican and American forces, sharing a bond of mutual respect and warrior kinship. ### [Captain Lawton](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/geronimo_s_story_of_his_life_se/characters/captain_lawton) _rivalry_ Captain Lawton was a U.S. Army officer tasked with tracking and capturing Geronimo, leading to a tense hunter-prey dynamic. ### [Theodore Roosevelt](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/geronimo_s_story_of_his_life_se/characters/theodore_roosevelt) _social_ Geronimo met President Theodore Roosevelt during a parade and later requested permission to return to Arizona, but was denied. ### [Asa Deklugie](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/geronimo_s_story_of_his_life_se/characters/asa_deklugie) _friendship_ Asa Deklugie was a fellow Apache and interpreter who assisted Geronimo in communicating his story and experiences. ### [Chihuahua](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/geronimo_s_story_of_his_life_se/characters/chihuahua) _family_ Chihuahua was a prominent Apache warrior and ally of Geronimo, often fighting alongside him. ### [Maco](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/geronimo_s_story_of_his_life_se/characters/maco) _family_ Maco was Geronimo's brother, sharing a close familial bond and fighting together in battles. ### [Dr. J. M. Greenwood](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/geronimo_s_story_of_his_life_se/characters/dr_j_m_greenwood) _social_ Dr. J. M. Greenwood was a superintendent of schools who interacted with Geronimo during his time at Fort Sill, likely in an educational or documentary capacity. ### [Theodore Roosevelt](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/geronimo_s_story_of_his_life_se/characters/theodore_roosevelt) _social_ Geronimo met President Theodore Roosevelt during a parade and later requested permission to return to Arizona, but was denied. ### [Naiche](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/geronimo_s_story_of_his_life_se/characters/naiche) _family_ Naiche was Geronimo's fellow chief and close companion, often acting as a brother-in-arms and loyal ally during their resistance. ## In the story ### [Frontispiece](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/geronimo_s_story_of_his_life_se/chapters/frontispiece) The subject of the autobiography, whose life story is presented in the frontispiece. ### [Dedicatory](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/geronimo_s_story_of_his_life_se/chapters/dedicatory) Author and dedicatee of the story, speaking directly to President Roosevelt. ### [Introductory](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/geronimo_s_story_of_his_life_se/chapters/introductory) The subject of the autobiography; he agrees to tell his life story in his own way, insists on keeping promises despite illness, and is initially reserved but opens up when a connection to General Howard is mentioned. ### [Geronimo’s Story of His Life](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/geronimo_s_story_of_his_life_se/chapters/geronimo-s-story-of-his-life) Narrator and protagonist; recounts his life from youth to old age, including family loss, warfare, and imprisonment. ### [Part I: The Apaches](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/geronimo_s_story_of_his_life_se/chapters/part-i-the-apaches) Central figure of the narrative, introduced as a member of the Apache tribe. ### [Origin of the Apache Indians](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/geronimo_s_story_of_his_life_se/chapters/i-origin-of-the-apache-indians) Geronimo is the narrator of this creation story, recounting the Apache origin myth. ### [II: Subdivisions of the Apache Tribe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/geronimo_s_story_of_his_life_se/chapters/ii-subdivisions-of-the-apache-tribe) Narrator and member of the Bedonkohe sub-tribe. ### [III: Early Life](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/geronimo_s_story_of_his_life_se/chapters/iii-early-life) Narrator and subject of the chapter; describes his birth, family, and early life experiences. ### [Tribal Amusements, Manners, and Customs](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/geronimo_s_story_of_his_life_se/chapters/iv-tribal-amusements-manners-and-customs) Narrator describing his childhood and early hunting experiences, beginning to follow the chase at age eight or ten. ### [The Family](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/geronimo_s_story_of_his_life_se/chapters/v-the-family) Narrator; becomes a warrior and marries Alope. ### [Part II: The Mexicans](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/geronimo_s_story_of_his_life_se/chapters/part-ii-the-mexicans) Narrates the massacre of his family and his vow of vengeance against the Mexicans. ### [VI: Kas-Ki-Yeh](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/geronimo_s_story_of_his_life_se/chapters/vi-kas-ki-yeh) Loses his mother, wife, and three children in the massacre at Kas-ki-yeh; burns his family's teepee and possessions; vows vengeance; rallies other tribes; leads the battle and is made war chief. ### [Part I: The Massacre](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/geronimo_s_story_of_his_life_se/chapters/part-i-the-massacre) Loses his mother, wife Alope, and three children in the massacre; burns their belongings and vows vengeance. ### [Part II: The Revenge](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/geronimo_s_story_of_his_life_se/chapters/part-ii-the-revenge) Appointed to solicit aid from other tribes; leads the battle at Arispe and is made war chief of all the Apaches. ### [VII: Fighting Under Difficulties](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/geronimo_s_story_of_his_life_se/chapters/vii-fighting-under-difficulties) Narrator and protagonist; leads multiple raids into Mexico, suffers severe wounds, and remains undeterred in his quest for vengeance. ### [VIII: Raids That Were Successful](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/geronimo_s_story_of_his_life_se/chapters/viii-raids-that-were-successful) Leader of the raids, describes his command decisions and personal actions during the expeditions. ### [IX: Varying Fortunes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/geronimo_s_story_of_his_life_se/chapters/ix-varying-fortunes) Narrator and leader of multiple raids into Mexico, taking command after Mangus-Colorado refused to lead. ### [Other Raids](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/geronimo_s_story_of_his_life_se/chapters/x-other-raids) Geronimo disclaims involvement in the events of this chapter and refuses to discuss depredations he was not responsible for. ### [Mexican Raid](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/geronimo_s_story_of_his_life_se/chapters/mexican-raid) Narrator of the account, reflecting on the raid as an example of injustice. ### [Apache Raids](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/geronimo_s_story_of_his_life_se/chapters/apache-raids) Disclaims involvement in the raids described, but refuses to say whether he knows about them; holds it unmanly to tell of depredations for which he was not responsible. ### [XI: Heavy Fighting](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/geronimo_s_story_of_his_life_se/chapters/xi-heavy-fighting) Narrator and leader of the Apache warriors in the battles and raids described. ### [Battle of White Hill](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/geronimo_s_story_of_his_life_se/chapters/battle-of-white-hill) Narrates the Battle of White Hill and other engagements; leads the charge and gives tactical orders. ### [XII: Geronimo's Mightiest Battle](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/geronimo_s_story_of_his_life_se/chapters/xii-geronimo-s-mightiest-battle) Narrates the battle; shoots the Mexican general; recounts his eight wounds and his enduring hatred for Mexicans. ### [Part III: The White Men](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/geronimo_s_story_of_his_life_se/chapters/part-iii-the-white-men) Narrator and central figure, describing his people's experiences with white men. ### [XIII: Coming of the White Men](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/geronimo_s_story_of_his_life_se/chapters/xiii-coming-of-the-white-men) Narrator and participant in the first encounters with white men, later takes the warpath after the treachery at Apache Pass. ### [XIV: Greatest of Wrongs](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/geronimo_s_story_of_his_life_se/chapters/xiv-greatest-of-wrongs) Narrator and protagonist; opposes the treaty with Apache Tejo, leads the remaining band, and is elected Tribal Chief after Mangus's death. ### [Removals](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/geronimo_s_story_of_his_life_se/chapters/xv-removals) Narrator and tribal chief who leads his people to Hot Springs and later makes a treaty with General Howard. ### [XVI: In Prison and on the Warpath](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/geronimo_s_story_of_his_life_se/chapters/xvi-in-prison-and-on-the-warpath) Narrator and central figure; imprisoned, chained, and later led his people off the reservation. ### [The Final Struggle](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/geronimo_s_story_of_his_life_se/chapters/xvii-the-final-struggle) Narrator and protagonist; leads a small band, negotiates treaty with General Miles. ### [Surrender of Geronimo](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/geronimo_s_story_of_his_life_se/chapters/xviii-surrender-of-geronimo) Surrenders to General Miles at Skeleton Canyon; negotiates terms for his band. ### [XIX: A Prisoner of War](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/geronimo_s_story_of_his_life_se/chapters/xix-a-prisoner-of-war) Narrator and central figure; describes his imprisonment, labor, family separations, and interactions with officials. ### [XIX: A Prisoner of War](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/geronimo_s_story_of_his_life_se/chapters/xix-a-prisoner-of-war) Geronimo's daughter; lives with him after his wife's death. ### [Part IV: The Old and the New](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/geronimo_s_story_of_his_life_se/chapters/part-iv-the-old-and-the-new) Central figure reflecting on the clash between old traditions and new realities. ### [Unwritten Laws of the Apaches](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/geronimo_s_story_of_his_life_se/chapters/xx-unwritten-laws-of-the-apaches) Describes the unwritten laws and customs; announces and directs his daughter Eva's debut dance. ### [Unwritten Laws of the Apaches](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/geronimo_s_story_of_his_life_se/chapters/xx-unwritten-laws-of-the-apaches) Geronimo's daughter; makes her debut dance at the September 1905 ceremony. ### [Salt Lake](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/geronimo_s_story_of_his_life_se/chapters/salt-lake) Narrator describing the salt lake and the customs surrounding it. ### [Preparation of a Warrior](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/geronimo_s_story_of_his_life_se/chapters/preparation-of-a-warrior) Narrator describing the warrior preparation process from his own experience. ### [Dances](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/geronimo_s_story_of_his_life_se/chapters/dances) Narrator and director of the social dance for his daughter Eva's debut. ### [Dances](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/geronimo_s_story_of_his_life_se/chapters/dances) Geronimo's daughter, whose coming-of-age dance is the centerpiece of the social dance description. ### [A Social Dance](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/geronimo_s_story_of_his_life_se/chapters/a-social-dance) Organizes and directs the dance for his daughter Eva's debut. ### [A Social Dance](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/geronimo_s_story_of_his_life_se/chapters/a-social-dance) Geronimo's daughter, making her debut into womanhood at the dance. ### [At the World's Fair](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/geronimo_s_story_of_his_life_se/chapters/xxi-at-the-world-s-fair) Narrator and participant at the World's Fair; sold photographs and autographs, observed exhibits, and was guarded by government agents. ### [At the World's Fair](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/geronimo_s_story_of_his_life_se/chapters/xxi-at-the-world-s-fair) Geronimo's youngest daughter, age sixteen, mentioned in the caption. ### [Religion](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/geronimo_s_story_of_his_life_se/chapters/xxii-religion) Narrates his understanding of Apache spirituality and his conversion to Christianity. ### [Hopes for the Future](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/geronimo_s_story_of_his_life_se/chapters/xxiii-hopes-for-the-future) Speaker of the chapter, expressing hopes for the future of his people. ### [Endnotes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/geronimo_s_story_of_his_life_se/chapters/endnotes) Geronimo's words and actions are frequently clarified or corrected by the editor; he is noted for his refusal to eat bacon or pork, his use of a shrill call to summon horses, and his shy laugh when told of Prewitt's pistol incident. ### [List of Illustrations](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/geronimo_s_story_of_his_life_se/chapters/list-of-illustrations) Depicted in multiple illustrations, including as a war chief and in traditional dress. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/geronimo_s_story_of_his_life_se/characters/geronimo - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/geronimo_s_story_of_his_life_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/geronimo_s_story_of_his_life_se/characters