# Laughing Boy — Laughing Boy character guide > Laughing Boy in Laughing Boy by Oliver La Farge. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Boy, So Laughing Boy, Pollen Boy **First appearance:** 0002-laughing-boy ## Snapshot A gentle Navajo silversmith whose contentment in a hidden valley with Slim Girl is shadowed by the suspicion that he cannot truly know her. ## Who they are Laughing Boy is a young Navajo known for his silverwork and his uncanny feel for horses, a man whose quiet craftsmanship and easy laughter make him trusted at trading posts and around campfires. Married to Slim Girl in a ceremony almost without relatives, he finds himself guarding a private world he cannot explain to other Navajos, who ask after his wife with a certain constraint. His tenderness toward her and his willingness to try American things — whiskey, canned fruit, town ways — set him on a path where love and tradition pull in opposite directions. ## Relationships ### [Slim Girl](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/laughing_boy_se/characters/slim_girl) _romantic_ Laughing Boy is deeply in love with Slim Girl, but their relationship is fraught with tension, betrayal, and cultural conflict. ### [Tall Old One](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/laughing_boy_se/characters/tall_old_one) _family_ Tall Old One is Laughing Boy's father figure, a wise elder who guides him but also represents traditional Navajo values that clash with Laughing Boy's choices. ### [Jesting Squaw](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/laughing_boy_se/characters/jesting_squaw) _friendship_ Jesting Squaw is a loyal and playful friend to Laughing Boy, often providing comic relief and emotional support. ### [Red Man](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/laughing_boy_se/characters/red_man) _friendship_ Red Man is Laughing Boy's close friend and confidant, sharing adventures and a deep bond of mutual respect. ### [Yellow Singer](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/laughing_boy_se/characters/yellow_singer) _rivalry_ Laughing Boy and Yellow Singer are romantic rivals for Slim Girl's affection, with Yellow Singer often undermining Laughing Boy. ### [Grandfather](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/laughing_boy_se/characters/grandfather) _family_ Grandfather is Laughing Boy's wise and loving elder, a keeper of Navajo traditions who worries about Laughing Boy's path. ### [Two Bows](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/laughing_boy_se/characters/two_bows) _friendship_ Two Bows is a childhood friend of Laughing Boy, sharing a bond of shared history and playful rivalry. ### [Bay Horse](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/laughing_boy_se/characters/bay_horse) _professional_ Bay Horse is Laughing Boy's trusted horse, a vital companion for travel and a symbol of his skill as a horseman. ### [Narrow Nose](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/laughing_boy_se/characters/narrow_nose) _friendship_ Narrow Nose is a fellow Navajo youth and friend of Laughing Boy, sharing in tribal activities and camaraderie. ### [Grandfather](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/laughing_boy_se/characters/grandfather) _family_ Grandfather is Laughing Boy's wise and loving elder, a keeper of Navajo traditions who worries about Laughing Boy's path. ### [Slim Girl](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/laughing_boy_se/characters/slim_girl) _romantic_ Laughing Boy is deeply in love with Slim Girl, but their relationship is fraught with tension, betrayal, and cultural conflict. ### [Yellow Singer](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/laughing_boy_se/characters/yellow_singer) _rivalry_ Laughing Boy and Yellow Singer are romantic rivals for Slim Girl's affection, with Yellow Singer often undermining Laughing Boy. ## In the story ### [Laughing Boy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/laughing_boy_se/chapters/laughing-boy) Protagonist attending the dance at Tsé Lani, deeply rooted in Navajo traditions. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/laughing_boy_se/chapters/i) Attends the dance at Tsé Lani and becomes infatuated with Slim Girl. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/laughing_boy_se/chapters/i) Protagonist riding to Tsé Lani for a dance and horse-racing; reflects on his silverwork and aspirations to become a singer. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/laughing_boy_se/chapters/ii) Attends the dance, is singled out by a girl, dances reluctantly, and feels insulted by her boldness. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/laughing_boy_se/chapters/iii) Immersed in the dance, feeling joy and later loneliness; prays to Dawn Boy and plans to make a silver bracelet for a girl. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/laughing_boy_se/chapters/ii) Attends the dance at Tsé Lani and becomes enchanted by Slim Girl. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/laughing_boy_se/chapters/i) Wakes up late, participates in wrestling, wins against Red Man, and notices Slim Girl. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/laughing_boy_se/chapters/ii) Present at the gathering, discusses horse racing, refuses to sell his bow-guard, and decides to seek out American tourists. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/laughing_boy_se/chapters/iii) Sells his silver belt to a tourist, smokes a cigar, and later feels sick. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/laughing_boy_se/chapters/iii) Slim Girl's husband, whom she loves but feels conflicted about due to her American entanglements. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/laughing_boy_se/chapters/i) Attends the dance, becomes infatuated with Slim Girl, discovers a hidden spring, and has a charged conversation with her. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/laughing_boy_se/chapters/ii) Feels alienated from the dance, composes a song, and decides to speak to his uncle about Slim Girl despite her advice. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/laughing_boy_se/chapters/iii) Determined to marry Slim Girl despite his uncle's objections; insists on gambling with Red Man before eloping. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/laughing_boy_se/chapters/iv) Returns home with Slim Girl after visiting his family, but becomes increasingly troubled by her absences and the winter's strain on their relationship. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/laughing_boy_se/chapters/i) Prepares for horse races, discusses bets with Jesting Squaw's Son, and secretly anticipates leaving with Slim Girl. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/laughing_boy_se/chapters/ii) Participates in the chicken-pull and horse races, receives a horse from his uncle Half Man, and spots Slim Girl in the crowd. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/laughing_boy_se/chapters/iii) Races his black mare, wins the race, and feels joy and anticipation about leaving with Slim Girl. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/laughing_boy_se/chapters/v) Brings Slim Girl to meet his family, caught between love and tradition. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/laughing_boy_se/chapters/i) Laughing Boy is the object of Slim Girl's thoughts; she sees him as a perfect implement, a 'War God' she will mold and bind to her. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/laughing_boy_se/chapters/ii) Mentioned as gambling in a nearby hogan; Slim Girl thinks of him and his stubbornness. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/laughing_boy_se/chapters/vi) Returns home with Slim Girl, feeling joyful but unaware of her secret. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/laughing_boy_se/chapters/i) Emerges from the gambling hogan after losing everything; agrees to go with Slim Girl despite his initial hesitation. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/laughing_boy_se/chapters/iii) Recovers a stolen horse from a Pah-Ute, shows warrior prowess and religious restraint. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/laughing_boy_se/chapters/iv) Arrives at Los Palos with Slim Girl, marvels at the town and railroad, and begins to plan a future at the adobe house. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/laughing_boy_se/chapters/v) Asks Slim Girl about learning English and shares his true name, Sings Before Spears. He insists on following traditional marriage customs, including a four-day waiting period. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/laughing_boy_se/chapters/vii) Returns home with Slim Girl, struggles with the revelation of her affair, and confronts Red Man. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/laughing_boy_se/chapters/i) Sent away by Slim Girl to find pasture for the horses early in the morning. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/laughing_boy_se/chapters/ii) Participates in the marriage ritual, tries whiskey for the first time, and experiences confusion and disgust at Slim Girl's kiss. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/laughing_boy_se/chapters/iii) Reflects on Slim Girl's power over him, feels shame and wonder, dreams of his uncle's story, and wakes in terror. ### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/laughing_boy_se/chapters/viii) Returns home with Slim Girl, feeling joy but later experiencing strain in the marriage during winter. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/laughing_boy_se/chapters/i) Deeply in love with Slim Girl, he teaches her Navajo songs and rituals, feels a sense of settled manhood, and expresses his desire for a monogamous marriage. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/laughing_boy_se/chapters/ii) Narrates his past experience on a war party against the Pah-Utes, serving as a messenger and tracker. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/laughing_boy_se/chapters/iii) Enjoys the drink and wants more, unaware of Slim Girl's manipulative intentions. ### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/laughing_boy_se/chapters/ix) Returns home with Slim Girl, feeling joy and hope for their future together. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/laughing_boy_se/chapters/i) Finds fulfillment in farming, silversmithing, and teaching Slim Girl Navajo traditions. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/laughing_boy_se/chapters/ii) Teaches Slim Girl about sand-painting and helps her see the beauty in her flawed blanket. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/laughing_boy_se/chapters/iii) Works contentedly at his forge, creating silver jewelry and giving his best pieces to Slim Girl, trusting her judgment. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/laughing_boy_se/chapters/i) Main perspective; enjoys solitary herding, trading, and designing silver; feels conflicted about Slim Girl's work in town. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/laughing_boy_se/chapters/ii) Drinks whiskey for the first time, becomes intoxicated, and passes out. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/laughing_boy_se/chapters/iii) Feels restless as autumn arrives; meets braves and considers attending the Night Chant dance. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/laughing_boy_se/chapters/iv) He proposes attending the Night Chant but defers to Slim Girl's wishes, choosing her over his people. ### [XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/laughing_boy_se/chapters/xi) Returns home with Slim Girl, initially joyful but increasingly troubled by her secret life. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/laughing_boy_se/chapters/i) Brings a cousin home, eagerly anticipates visiting T'o Tlakai for the Night Chant, and expresses his love and devotion to Slim Girl. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/laughing_boy_se/chapters/ii) Rides with ease and natural sociability, is respected by his people, and shares his love of the land with Slim Girl. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/laughing_boy_se/chapters/iii) Rides ahead of Slim Girl, singing a hymn about Dawn Boy Hill and rising fields. ### [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/laughing_boy_se/chapters/xii) Returns home with Slim Girl, experiences joy and later strain in the marriage. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/laughing_boy_se/chapters/i) Takes stock of his family's reactions to Slim Girl, confident in her ability to win them over. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/laughing_boy_se/chapters/ii) Returns home with Slim Girl, feeling both joy and anxiety; confides in Jesting Squaw's Son about his profound love for Slim Girl. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/laughing_boy_se/chapters/iii) Mentioned as Slim Girl's devout husband, whose ecstasy and devoutness she ponders. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/laughing_boy_se/chapters/iv) Participates in the dance and is disturbed by Slim Girl's presence during his spiritual preparation. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/laughing_boy_se/chapters/v) Defends his marriage and life with Slim Girl before the family council. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/laughing_boy_se/chapters/vi) Referenced as the object of Slim Girl's control and affection, feeling his presence through the cold floor. ### [XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/laughing_boy_se/chapters/xiii) Returns home with Slim Girl, feeling joy but later struggling with the winter's strain on their marriage. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/laughing_boy_se/chapters/i) Protagonist who uses cunning to outsmart the trader Narrow Nose, demonstrating his intelligence and cultural pride. ### [XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/laughing_boy_se/chapters/xiv) Returns home with Slim Girl, experiences joy and later strain in the marriage. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/laughing_boy_se/chapters/i) Leads the way through the blizzard, identifies a deserted hogan as taboo, and finds shelter with a family. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/laughing_boy_se/chapters/ii) Impatient and self-conscious in the crowded hogan, he misses the airy home with Slim Girl and is tormented by lice. He finds comfort in the evening myth-telling and cleverly covers a verbal slip. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/laughing_boy_se/chapters/iii) Returns home with Slim Girl, admires the fireplace, kisses her, and feels domestic bliss. ### [XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/laughing_boy_se/chapters/xv) Returns home with Slim Girl, feeling joy but later strained by winter and his wife's absences. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/laughing_boy_se/chapters/i) Feels disturbed by Red Man's implications but is convinced by Slim Girl's explanation; confronts Red Man directly. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/laughing_boy_se/chapters/ii) Mentioned as the husband whose demands complicate Slim Girl's arrangements with George; he notices her triumphant look after returning from dances. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/laughing_boy_se/chapters/iii) Praises Slim Girl's weaving, shares in domestic life, and enjoys arranging flowers. ### [XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/laughing_boy_se/chapters/xvi) Returns home with Slim Girl, feeling joy and contentment after the family visit. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/laughing_boy_se/chapters/i) Feels restless and critically studies his wife, hiding his unease from himself. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/laughing_boy_se/chapters/ii) Struggles with inner turmoil, homesickness, and fear of losing himself in his marriage; rejects the false cure of whiskey. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/laughing_boy_se/chapters/iii) Recovers from drunkenness, feels cleansed, returns home determined to do better, refuses alcohol, and shares a perfect evening with Slim Girl. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/laughing_boy_se/chapters/iv) Works silver alongside Slim Girl, easing his soul through shaping metal; contemplates patience and the nature of his work. ### [XVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/laughing_boy_se/chapters/xvii) Returns home with Slim Girl, feeling joy and hope, but later struggles with the winter's isolation and his wife's absences. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/laughing_boy_se/chapters/i) Now called 'Horse Trader' or 'Turns His Back'; he spends time away from home and comforts his friend Jesting Squaw's Son. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/laughing_boy_se/chapters/ii) Hosts Jesting Squaw's Son, shows him the town and railroad, and works with Slim Girl to comfort him. ### [XVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/laughing_boy_se/chapters/xviii) Returns home with Slim Girl, feeling joy but later experiencing strain in the marriage during winter. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/laughing_boy_se/chapters/i) Pursues his missing stallion, discovers Slim Girl's betrayal, and shoots both her and the American man. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/laughing_boy_se/chapters/ii) Returns home and wrestles with the decision to leave Slim Girl, feeling his identity as a warrior is at stake. ### [XIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/laughing_boy_se/chapters/xix) Returns home with Slim Girl, initially joyful but later confronts her about her relationship with George. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/laughing_boy_se/chapters/i) Finds Slim Girl wounded, removes the arrow, and breaks down emotionally. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/laughing_boy_se/chapters/ii) Listens to Slim Girl's confession, then tells her to sleep and squats in the doorway smoking. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/laughing_boy_se/chapters/iii) Achieves inner peace and understanding of Slim Girl; decides to move north to live among The People. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/laughing_boy_se/chapters/i) Moves his horses north, buys provisions, and plans a new life with Slim Girl away from Americans. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/laughing_boy_se/chapters/ii) Leads the move to Oljeto, brings his best horses, and collects petrified wood for jewelry making. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/laughing_boy_se/chapters/iii) Witnesses Slim Girl's shooting, carries her to safety, and grieves her death. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/laughing_boy_se/chapters/iv) Grieving and methodical, he prepares Slim Girl's grave, offers his own possessions, and performs a ritual sacrifice. ### [XXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/laughing_boy_se/chapters/xxi) Returns home with Slim Girl, feeling joy and hope, but later becomes troubled by the winter's strain on their marriage. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/laughing_boy_se/chapters/i) Endures a four-day vigil, wrestling with grief, fear, and visions of Slim Girl's ghost. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/laughing_boy_se/chapters/ii) Travels alone across the mesa, chants a prayer song, and arrives at the Mountain Chant ceremony. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/laughing_boy_se/chapters/iii) Attends the Mountain Chant ceremony, feels spiritual peace, and kisses Slim Girl's gold bracelet before sleeping. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/laughing_boy_se/characters/laughing_boy - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/laughing_boy_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/laughing_boy_se/characters