Major Duncan Heyward

The Last of the Mohicans

Escorting the Munro sisters to Fort William Henry; initially trusts Magua as a guide.

I

Escorts Cora and Alice Munro, rides with them toward Fort William Henry.

II

Heyward leads the party, explaining the guide's role and attempting to reassure Alice. He is initially reluctant to allow David Gamut to join but eventually yields to Alice's request.

IV

Leads the party, reveals his rank to the scout, and attempts to manage the situation with Magua.

V

Negotiates with Hawkeye, assists in guiding the canoe, and remains protective of Cora and Alice.

VI

Expresses admiration for Uncas's appearance and discusses the nature of savage virtue with Alice and Cora.

VII

Leads the sisters to safety, reassures Cora, and fights alongside Hawkeye and the Mohicans.

VIII

Shows concern for the wounded Huron, pleads for mercy, but is overruled by Hawkeye's pragmatism.

IX

Attempts to comfort Alice and Cora, conceals the cave entrance, and fires at Magua when discovered.

Chapter X

Interrogated by Magua about the escape of his companions; attempts to bribe Magua with promises of gold, powder, and firewater.

XI

Observes the dialogue from a distance, demands the result, and is bound as a captive awaiting torture.

XII

Engages in hand-to-hand combat with a Huron; helps release Alice after the battle.

XIII

Vigilant and anxious, he prepares to defend the party and questions the safety of their resting place.

XIV

Leads the party, converses with the French sentinel in French, and shows concern for the sisters' safety.

Chapter XV

Represents Colonel Munro in a parley with Montcalm; expresses concern for Cora and Alice's safety and his duty.

Chapter XVI

Embarrassed by his racial prejudice, he admits his love for Alice and serves as interpreter during the surrender negotiations.

XVII

Heyward seeks to assist Munro and rushes to find the sisters, but they are already taken.

XVIII

Accompanies Munro in searching the dead for signs of Cora and Alice; defers to Hawkeye's plan to return to the fort.

XIX

Observes the scene from the rampart, uneasy about potential attacks, and questions the scout about the noises.

XX

Impatient and eager, takes up a paddle when Hawkeye shoots, and urges speed.

XXI

Travels with the party, expresses concern, and points out the handbarrow fragments.

XXII

Resolves to rescue Alice from the Hurons, insisting on accompanying David in disguise despite Hawkeye's warnings.

XXIII

Enters the Huron village with David Gamut, observes the trial and execution of a cowardly Huron, and watches the gauntlet run of a young captive.

XXIV

Observes the proceedings, feeling relief when Magua leaves; follows a chief out of the lodge to breathe fresh air.

XXV

Finds Alice in the cavern, cleans his war paint, and helps capture Magua.

Chapter XXIX

Participates in the shooting contest, is bound by the Delawares, and is engrossed with protecting Alice.

The Sacrifice and the Captivity

Heyward is anguished by Cora's captivity and threatens to pursue Magua, but is restrained by Hawkeye.

XXXI

Eagerly anticipates the contest, escorts Alice to safety, and participates in planning the rescue of Cora.

XXXII

Fights alongside Hawkeye, witnesses the deaths of Cora and Uncas, and pleads for mercy from Magua.