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Zuni Folktales · Character

The Gopher

A lubber-cheeked burrower whose sly wit and underground tricks make him a wily rival in the old tales' contests of cleverness.

supporting

Also known as The old Gopher, The lubber-cheeked old Gopher, the old Gopher, himself

First appearance: zuni folktales

As a supporting figure in Zuni Folktales, The Gopher is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

The old Gopher who helps the boy tunnel to the Bison's heart.
In the storyHow the Summer Birds CameOpen this moment free

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

The Gopher belongs to the animal folk who populate Zuni storytelling, a creature of the earth whose burrowing ways give him advantages no winged or four-footed rival can match. His defining trait is cunning rather than…

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

See The Gopher in zuni folktales

Character Web

16 connections

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

COCoyoteTUThe Ugly Wild …TMThe Maiden of …BRBrotherBIBisonTGThe Gopher

Relationship types

  • Other

Character groups

  • Twin War Gods and Companions
  • Protagonist
  • Animal Helpers and Tricksters
  • Diverse Mythical and Animal Figures

+11 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book.

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

The emotional and psychological peak occurs when the children’s joyful play turns to horror as the elder siste…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

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In the story

The Gopher 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 The Gopher unlock in the free preview.

See The Gopher in zuni folktales