# The Americans — Travel Essays character guide

> The Americans in Travel Essays by Robert Louis Stevenson.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** Americans

**First appearance:** 0074-the-emigrant-train

## Who they are

American people encountered during the transcontinental journey.

## Relationships

### [The Mexicans](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/travel_essays_se/characters/the_mexicans)

_rivalry_

The Americans and The Mexicans are in conflict, likely representing national or territorial tensions.

## In the story

### [The Amateur Emigrant](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/travel_essays_se/chapters/the-amateur-emigrant)

The narrator observes the American passengers and their attitudes, reflecting on national character.

### [Early Impressions](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/travel_essays_se/chapters/early-impressions)

Listed among the nationalities represented on the ship.

### [New York](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/travel_essays_se/chapters/new-york)

Encountered in various interactions; noted for their surprising rudeness and kindness.

### [Across the Plains](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/travel_essays_se/chapters/across-the-plains)

Stevenson observes the varied American types he meets on the train and in the plains, noting their energy, optimism, and sometimes rough manners.

### [Leaves from the Notebook of an Emigrant Between New York and San Francisco](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/travel_essays_se/chapters/leaves-from-the-notebook-of-an-emigrant-between-new-york-and-san-francisco)

The narrator observes American officials, porters, and passengers, noting their behavior and the chaotic system.

### [The Emigrant Train](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/travel_essays_se/chapters/the-emigrant-train)

The narrator interacts with various American emigrants, including a Pennsylvania Dutchman who becomes his bedfellow and an elderly man who objects to sentimental music.

### [The Plains of Nebraska](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/travel_essays_se/chapters/the-plains-of-nebraska)

The narrator observes a well-dressed man who rudely refuses to pass the milk-jug, exemplifying incomplete civilization.

### [Fellow-Passengers](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/travel_essays_se/chapters/fellow-passengers)

The majority of passengers, from various states, fleeing hard times and seeking better wages westward.

### [Despised Races](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/travel_essays_se/chapters/despised-races)

Fellow Caucasian passengers who exhibit baseless hatred and ridicule toward the Chinese and Native Americans.

### [To the Golden Gates](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/travel_essays_se/chapters/to-the-golden-gates)

Fellow passengers who bet on the narrator's musical ability and celebrate the new country.

### [The Old and New Pacific Capitals](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/travel_essays_se/chapters/the-old-and-new-pacific-capitals)

Represent the new order and expansion in California.

### [Monterey](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/travel_essays_se/chapters/monterey)

The 'millionaire vulgarians of the Big Bonanza' and 'greedy land-thieves' who have succeeded the Jesuits and threaten the native way of life.

### [The Woods and the Pacific](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/travel_essays_se/chapters/the-woods-and-the-pacific)

The lightkeeper at Point Pinos, a brave old-country rival, engaged in painting and other pursuits.

### [Mexicans, Americans, and Indians](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/travel_essays_se/chapters/mexicans-americans-and-indians)

Described as the dominant landholding and political class, but also as becoming Mexicanized in some respects.

### [San Francisco](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/travel_essays_se/chapters/san-francisco)

Referenced as one of the many nationalities present, though the city is described as essentially not American.

### [In the Valley](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/travel_essays_se/chapters/in-the-valley)

The narrator reflects on the American frontier, with telephones and telegraphs running ahead among Indians and grizzly bears.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/travel_essays_se/characters/the_americans
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/travel_essays_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/travel_essays_se/characters