# Jesting Squaw — Laughing Boy character guide

> Jesting Squaw in Laughing Boy by Oliver La Farge.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** Squaw, Now Jesting Squaw

**First appearance:** 0009-ii

## Who they are

A Navajo woman known for her humor and sharp tongue in the community.

## Relationships

### [Laughing Boy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/laughing_boy_se/characters/laughing_boy)

_friendship_

Jesting Squaw is a loyal and playful friend to Laughing Boy, often providing comic relief and emotional support.

### [Tall Old One](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/laughing_boy_se/characters/tall_old_one)

_friendship_

Jesting Squaw and Tall Old One are friendly acquaintances, often exchanging lighthearted banter within the community.

### [Slim Girl](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/laughing_boy_se/characters/slim_girl)

_rivalry_

Jesting Squaw is openly hostile toward Slim Girl, viewing her as a dangerous outsider who corrupts Laughing Boy.

### [Laughing Boy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/laughing_boy_se/characters/laughing_boy)

_friendship_

Jesting Squaw is a loyal and playful friend to Laughing Boy, often providing comic relief and emotional support.

### [Laughing Boy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/laughing_boy_se/characters/laughing_boy)

_friendship_

Jesting Squaw is a loyal and playful friend to Laughing Boy, often providing comic relief and emotional support.

## In the story

### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/laughing_boy_se/chapters/i)

Jesting Squaw's Son calls out to Laughing Boy about food.

### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/laughing_boy_se/chapters/ii)

Mentioned as 'Jesting Squaw’s Son' who accompanies Laughing Boy at the dance.

### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/laughing_boy_se/chapters/iii)

Her son is mentioned with his arm over Laughing Boy's shoulder during the dance.

### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/laughing_boy_se/chapters/i)

Son wakes Laughing Boy; Laughing Boy later hunts for him to eat.

### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/laughing_boy_se/chapters/ii)

Mentioned as the owner of the horse Laughing Boy and his friend ride.

### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/laughing_boy_se/chapters/iii)

Accompanies Laughing Boy, helps with the sale, and also suffers from the cigar.

### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/laughing_boy_se/chapters/i)

Referenced as 'Jesting Squaw's Son' whose saddle Laughing Boy rides behind.

### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/laughing_boy_se/chapters/i)

Jesting Squaw's Son is Laughing Boy's friend; he discusses the races and plans to enter the chicken-pull.

### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/laughing_boy_se/chapters/ii)

Yellow Singer's wife; assists in the ceremony, feels sorry for Laughing Boy, and drinks whiskey.

### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/laughing_boy_se/chapters/i)

Dismounts before the hogan, looking anxious and hesitant, concerned about estrangement.

### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/laughing_boy_se/chapters/ii)

Laughing Boy's friend; listens to Laughing Boy's confidences and expresses happiness for him.

### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/laughing_boy_se/chapters/i)

Mentioned as Jesting Squaw's Son, a friend who conspires with Laughing Boy in the scheme.

### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/laughing_boy_se/chapters/i)

Jesting Squaw's Son visits Laughing Boy, confessing his forbidden love for a woman of his own clan.

### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/laughing_boy_se/chapters/ii)

Visits for three weeks, grieving over Alkali Water's daughter; finds solace in the company and later warns Laughing Boy and Slim Girl about their inauthentic life.

### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/laughing_boy_se/chapters/i)

Her son is referenced as having received a wound, and Laughing Boy feels no one, not even Jesting Squaw's Son, can come near him.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/laughing_boy_se/characters/jesting_squaw
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/laughing_boy_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/laughing_boy_se/characters