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The Hoosier Schoolmaster · Character

Hank Banta

A grinning mischief-maker who draws ugly pictures on his slate and sets Betsey Short giggling, Hank Banta tests the new master's patience before he ever tests his learning.

supporting

Also known as Hank, Hank Banta, Henry Banta, Henry

First appearance: III: Mirandy, Hank, and Shocky

As a supporting figure in The Hoosier Schoolmaster, Hank Banta is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

The meanest boy in school, who plots to dunk Ralph in the pond under the schoolhouse but falls in himself.
In the storyIII: Mirandy, Hank, and ShockyOpen this moment free
See Hank Banta in III: Mirandy, Hank, and ShockyBook page

Free preview opens at this moment — character cards, Character Web, and themes sit beside the text as you read.

Hank Banta is the schoolroom troublemaker whose sly sketches and whispered jokes keep the room on edge, and whose conveniently forgotten traps leave others to suffer the master's switch. Idle and easily bored, he dodges…

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The fuller portrait of Hank Banta sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.

See Hank Banta in III: Mirandy, Hank, and Shocky

Character Web

17 connections

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

RHRalph HartsookBMBud MeansSHShockySHSquire HawkinsMPMr. PearsonHBHank Banta

Relationship types

  • Rivalry
  • Other

Character groups

  • Minor and background characters
  • Protagonist
  • Main community characters

+12 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

SetupEscalationAftermathClimax
  • Setup
  • Escalation
  • Breaking point
  • Aftermath
  • Closing

This is the dramatic climax because it forces the central conflict to a head: the anonymous threat against Squ…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

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Relationships

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See Hank Banta in III: Mirandy, Hank, and Shocky

In the story

Hank Banta appears across 3 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Hank Banta unlock in the free preview.

See Hank Banta in III: Mirandy, Hank, and Shocky
See Hank Banta in III: Mirandy, Hank, and Shocky