To the Reader
Mentioned as a character the author knows intimately, like a father knows his son.
The Virginian
Introduced as a tall, saturnine horseman; the central figure embodying the Code of the West.
Enter the Man
Introduced as the tall, drawling Southerner who teases Uncle Hughey about his marriages and later addresses the narrator.
II: “When You Call Me That, Smile!”
Demonstrates quiet dignity and a code of conduct; engages in a tense poker game with Trampas.
III: Steve Treats
Referred to as 'black-headed guy' by the dealer; shows strategic cunning in his card play and orchestrates a prank on the drummer.
III: Steve Treats
Demonstrates his familiarity with firearms and his habit of sleeping with his knife and gun under his pillow.
IV: Deep Into Cattle Land
Drives the wagon, saves the narrator during the runaway, and shares a story about Arizona's deceptive atmosphere.
V: Enter the Woman
Shows interest in Molly Stark Wood's letter, musing over her words and quoting them to himself.
VI: Em'ly
Assigned as the narrator's escort; silently endures the humiliation of playing nurse; later tells a story about the narrator in the bunkhouse and discusses the hen Em'ly.
VII: Through Two Snows
Writes a letter to the narrator explaining his departure from Sunk Creek due to jealousy and unfair treatment; later returns after Judge Henry realizes his value.
The Sincere Spinster
Mentioned in the opening as having an estimate of Molly's age that was incorrect.
The Spinster Meets the Unknown
Travels to the Goose Egg barbecue, having learned of Molly's presence on Bear Creek.
X: Where Fancy Was Bred
Arrives at the Swintons' barbecue, listens to talk about Molly Wood's suitors, feels pride and grievance over her, cleans up for the dance, and is noticed by Molly who avoids him.
XI: “You’re Going to Love Me Before We Get Through”
Takes responsibility for the baby swap prank, disarming the community with his charm. Later visits Molly Wood, inviting her for a ride and exchanging flirtatious banter.
XII: Quality and Equality
Borrows and reads books from Molly, discusses equality, and confesses his love for her, asserting he is the judge of what wife he wants.
XIII: The Game and the Nation—Act First
Met unexpectedly in Omaha; acting as deputy foreman for Judge Henry, escorting cattle trains to Chicago; discusses poker, Shakespeare, and Queen Elizabeth.
XIV: Between the Acts
Deputy foreman who hires Scipio and Shorty, kicks a man off the train.
XV: The Game and the Nation—Act Second
Deputy foreman managing the crew; shows disappointment over losing the cook but maintains control, keeping watch at night.
XVI: The Game and the Nation—Last Act
Tells an elaborate story about frog farming in Tulare to distract and manipulate the group.
XVII: Scipio Moralizes
Falls into a nine-day silence after his verbal victory over Trampas, giving only routine commands. He remains withdrawn and uncommunicative, even as the men speculate about his intentions.
XVIII: "Would You Be a Parson?"
Confronts Trampas over the rope theft, engages in philosophical discussion about religion, and recites Shakespeare's bee speech.
XIX: Dr. Macbride Begs Pardon
Discussed as the foreman who used a tall story to defuse a mutiny on the train; his actions are debated by the party.
XX: The Judge Ignores Particulars
Promoted to foreman; shows restraint and loyalty; vaults a gate in excitement.
XXI: In a State of Sin
The Virginian listens to the sermon with unwavering attention, and his new role as foreman is noted. He remains calm and resolute regarding his conflict with Trampas.
XXII: “What Is a Rustler?”
Now foreman at Sunk Creek, busy with duties and unable to spend time with Molly. He hides his hurt at her departure and gives her a meaningful look and words about them going together next time.
Various Points
Foreman of Sunk Creek Ranch; reflects on Trampas's schemes, Shorty's fate, and works on his education; writes his first letter to Molly.
A Letter with a Moral
Writes a heartfelt letter to Molly, revealing his emotions and literary opinions.
Progress of the Lost Dog
Delivers Judge Henry's letter to Balaam and observes Balaam's harsh treatment of his horse with silent disapproval.
Balaam and Pedro
The Virginian accompanies Balaam, offering calm advice and showing concern for Pedro's treatment. He maintains a gentle demeanor despite Balaam's hostility.
Grandmother Stark
Found wounded by a spring, recovers under Molly's care, and confronts her about her goodbye letter.
XXVIII: No Dream to Wake from
Recovering from a bullet wound and fever, he tests his memory of Molly's visit and reaffirms his love for her.
Word to Bennington
Insists on writing to Mrs. Wood to take responsibility; writes a humble, honest letter recounting his love and Molly's heroism.
A Stable on the Flat
Leads the posse that captured the horse thieves; shows constraint and understanding of the narrator's discomfort.
The Cottonwoods
Haunted by Steve's hanging; struggles with guilt and the silence of his old friend; shows deep emotional turmoil.
Superstition Trail
Leads the pursuit through the mountains, displaying keen observation and a growing unease about the mysterious footprints. He maintains a calm exterior but reveals his tension through cold hands and careful avoidance of the newspaper topic.
To Fit Her Finger
Orders rings from the East, designs an opal ring with diamonds, measures Molly's finger with a grass ring, and carries the wedding ring around his neck.
With Malice Aforethought
Struggles with his code of silence, tries to protect Molly from the ugliness of his quarrel with Trampas, and faces the moral dilemma of the impending showdown.
At Dunbarton
Leads Molly into the mountains to a secluded island campsite; later becomes a successful rancher and businessman, marries Molly, and visits her family in Bennington and Dunbarton.
