Bud Means

Ralph Hartsook

Bud, initially a rough local, becomes Ralph's loyal ally and protector, helping him navigate the school and community.

Miss Martha Hawkins

Bud is smitten with Martha, and their interactions show a playful, earnest courtship despite social differences.

Hannah Thomson

Bud and Hannah share a respectful, protective friendship, with Bud often looking out for her well-being.

Shocky

Bud shows a soft spot for Shocky, treating him with kindness and protecting him from harm.

Pete Jones

Bud and Pete clash over local influence and loyalty, with Bud often opposing Pete's malicious schemes.

Walter Johnson

Bud and Walter share a camaraderie, often working together or supporting each other in community matters.

Dr. Small

Bud and Dr. Small have a respectful but distant social relationship, with Dr. Small's status above Bud's.

Squire Hawkins

Bud and Squire Hawkins interact as community members, with Bud showing deference to the squire's position.

Ralph Hartsook

Bud, initially a rough local, becomes Ralph's loyal ally and protector, helping him navigate the school and community.

Hannah Thomson

Bud and Hannah share a respectful, protective friendship, with Bud often looking out for her well-being.

Ralph Hartsook

Bud, initially a rough local, becomes Ralph's loyal ally and protector, helping him navigate the school and community.

Shocky

Bud shows a soft spot for Shocky, treating him with kindness and protecting him from harm.

The Hoosier Schoolmaster

The eldest son of the Means family, who is away at the time of Ralph's arrival but is discussed as the 'bully' of the district and the primary challenge to the new schoolmaster's authority.

I: A Private Lesson from a Bulldog

The older son of Jack Means, a large and intimidating figure who Ralph identifies as his first strategic point to capture.

A Spell Coming

Observes Ralph's character, noting his 'thunder and lightning' despite lacking physical strength.

III: Mirandy, Hank, and Shocky

Observes Ralph's handling of the situation and compliments his cleverness, showing respect for his brains.

V: The Walk Home

Defends Hannah against his mother's accusations, diverting her anger to allow Hannah to escape.

VIII: The Struggle in the Dark

Ralph's rival for Hannah; Ralph considers Bud's claim to her as his only joy.

XI: Miss Martha Hawkins

Rides by on a bay mare leading a roan colt, returning from the mill, but appears angry and only gives a surly nod.

A Struggle for the Mastery

Reluctantly participates in the barring-out but respects Ralph's cunning and predicts his victory.

A Crisis with Bud

Confronts Ralph, believing he is courting Hannah, but reconciles after a misunderstanding.

XV: The Church of the Best Licks

Confesses his desire to reform and seeks spiritual guidance from Ralph, leading to his decision to 'put in his best licks for Jesus Christ.'

XVI: The Church Militant

Fights Pete Jones to protect Shocky and defend John Pearson, sustaining an arm injury.

A Council of War

Injured with a broken arm, but devises the escape plan for Pearson.

Odds and Ends

Sends for Ralph, offers his roan colt, and endures family criticism while recovering from a broken arm.

XX: God Remembers Shocky

Despite his broken arm, Bud prepares the roan colt for Ralph and expresses his own growth and faith, wishing he could do more to help.

Bud Wooing

Visits Miss Martha, struggles with bashfulness and self-consciousness.

A Letter and Its Consequences

Spells poorly at the spelling school, attempts to escort Martha home, and is devastated by her refusal.

A Loss and a Gain

Quits school, avoids Ralph, and becomes intimate with Walter Johnson under Dr. Small's influence.

The Flight

Writes a warning note to Ralph, advising him to run for his life.

The Trial

Arrives late, talking to Walter Johnson near the door.

XXX: “Brother Sodom”

Deliberately exposes Walter to Soden's preaching to extract his secrets; remains cool and manipulative.

XXXI: The Trial Concluded

Acts as a detective, maintaining apparent hostility to save Ralph. He pressures Walter Johnson to tell the truth.

XXXII: After the Battle

Bids Hannah goodbye with emotion, having been a true friend.

Into the Light

Ralph tries to help Bud court Martha, but Bud remains tongue-tied.

How It Came Out

Proposes to Martha Hawkins and seeks Ralph's advice on how to make a living and serve God.