The Gods of Mars · Character

Tars Tarkas

A green Martian chieftain of Thark who learned friendship from an Earthman and now walks beside him into the forbidden Valley Dor.

major

First appearance: The Gods of Mars

As a major figure in The Gods of Mars, Tars Tarkas is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Mentioned as a friend and ally, though not present in this chapter.

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Tars Tarkas is Carter's oldest ally on Barsoom, a towering Thark whose loyalty was forged when Carter taught him what friendship means. His strange, mirthful laugh in the face of horror marks him as both alien and deeply human, and his devotion to the memory of the woman he loved drives his pilgrimage south. His steadiness and knowledge of Martian ways make him indispensable as the mystery of the false gods unfolds.

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Character Web

12 connections

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

Relationship types

Friendship
Other

Character groups

Allies and Antagonists of Helium
Protagonist
Family, Priests, and Pirates

+7 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book.

Setup
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This is the dramatic climax because it marks the psychological and strategic turning point where John Carter s…

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Relationships

Dejah Thoris
friendship · positive
Dejah Thoris and Tars Tarkas share a strong bond of mutual respect and friendship as… How this plays out →
John Carter
friendship · positive
John Carter
friendship · positive
Dejah Thoris
friendship · positive
Dejah Thoris and Tars Tarkas share a strong bond of mutual respect and friendship as… How this plays out →
Dejah Thoris
friendship · positive
Dejah Thoris and Tars Tarkas share a strong bond of mutual respect and friendship as… How this plays out →

Dejah Thoris
Dejah Thoris and Tars Tarkas share a strong bond of mutual respect and friendship as allies of Helium.
John Carter
John Carter and Tars Tarkas are steadfast friends and comrades-in-arms, bound by honor.
John Carter
John Carter and Tars Tarkas are steadfast friends and comrades-in-arms, bound by honor.
Dejah Thoris
Dejah Thoris and Tars Tarkas share a strong bond of mutual respect and friendship as allies of Helium.
Dejah Thoris
Dejah Thoris and Tars Tarkas share a strong bond of mutual respect and friendship as allies of Helium.

Relationship notes

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In the story

Tars Tarkas appears across 16 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

The Gods of Mars
Mentioned as a friend and ally, though not present in this chapter.
The Plant Men
Mentioned as the leader who once gathered green warriors to rescue Dejah Thoris; not present in the chapter.
A Forest Battle
The great Thark Jeddak fights back-to-back with John Carter; reluctantly accepts Carter's plan to enter the tree and later defends the opening from the mob.
The Chamber of Mystery
Expresses bitter disillusionment upon discovering the Valley Dor is not heaven but a place of danger; fights alongside John Carter against the banths.
Thuvia
Found fighting for his life against banths; weak from wounds but resolute; agrees to follow John Carter.
Corridors of Peril
Accompanies John Carter and Thuvia, suggests making the escape attempt after dark for better chances.
The Black Pirates of Barsoom
Accompanies John Carter and Thuvia; his great weight prevents the flier from lifting, leading to John Carter's sacrifice.
When Hell Broke Loose
Mentioned in a flashback as having fought alongside John Carter against the Warhoon.
A Break for Liberty
Mentioned as a great fighter John Carter wishes were with them.
The Eyes in the Dark
Mentioned as a prisoner being taken to an audience chamber, presumably for sentencing.
Flight and Pursuit
Assists in stealing thoats and is rescued by John Carter from imprisonment.
Under Arrest
Jeddak of Thark, companion of John Carter, present as a prisoner.
The Death Sentence
Present at the feast, learns of his daughter Sola's involvement in the pilgrimage and grieves stoically for Dejah Thoris.
Sola's Story
Participates in the planning of the rescue mission and agrees to assemble green warriors.
Black Despair
Present in the audience chamber when John Carter returns and participates in the planning.
The Air Battle
Planned to lead green warriors in a land assault on Issus's garden.

Chapter companion notes

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