Character guide

Frank Hardy

major

Also known as Frank, Both Frank

The steadier Hardy brother, who reads his father's letter from Montana and turns restless envy into a plan for the frozen North.

Joe Hardy

major

Also known as Joe

The younger Hardy, all appetite for adventure, who sighs over hidden gold in Montana and would give anything to be on the case.

Fenton Hardy

supporting

Also known as Dad, dad, Mr. Hardy

The internationally famous detective whose letter from Lucky Bottom pulls his sons west and whose cracked ribs leave the case half-solved.

Bart Dawson

major

Also known as Dawson

The trusted partner who carried four bags of gold out a back window into the dark and was never seen or heard from again.

Jadbury Wilson

supporting

Also known as Wilson, Jad Wilson, III Jadbury Wilson

The miner who called Fenton Hardy west, naming Bart Dawson and a stolen shipment of gold that has been missing for twenty years.

Slim Briggs

supporting

Also known as Slim, Poor Slim

A cornered outlaw who whines for his freedom and trades what he knows about Black Pepper's hidden gold for a lighter walk to jail.

Con Riley

supporting

Also known as Officer Con Riley, Riley, Officer Riley

A local lawman whose jail becomes the stage for Lucky Bottom's biggest night when the Hardy boys haul in a legendary outlaw.

Chet Morton

supporting

Also known as Chet, Chet Morton, rotund and jovial

The Hardys' ever-hungry, ever-loyal friend, whose appetite for excitement (and snacks) keeps the amateur sleuthing grounded in good humor.

Aunt Gertrude

minor

The boys' fussy but caring aunt who lives with them.

Hank Shale

supporting

Also known as Hank

A weathered Western friend of Fenton Hardy whose cabin becomes headquarters, hospital, and celebration hall for the gold-recovery hunt.

Mr. Hopkins

minor

Also known as Hopkins, the astute Hopkins

A shrewd businessman or detective associate.

Mrs. Hardy

minor

The boys' mother, supportive and concerned.

Jerry Gilroy

minor

Also known as Jerry

A friend or contact of the Hardy boys.

Bill Coulson

supporting

Also known as Bill, Coulson, Mr. Coulson, Jack Coulson

A miner drawn into the stolen-gold case, whose testimony about the outlaws' movements helps the Hardys map the gang's shadowy trail.

Black Pepper

supporting

Also known as Black Pepper ’, this Black Pepper, Pepper

The notorious outlaw whose gang terrorized a mining district for years, and whose capture would crown the Hardy boys' Western adventure.

Shorty

minor

A minor character, likely a cowboy or helper.

Jack Pepperill

minor

Also known as Pepperill

A minor figure possibly linked to the outlaws.

Lucky Bottom

minor

A minor character, perhaps a nickname for a cowboy.