Lonesome Dove

Lonesome Dove

by

Larry McMurtry

Captain Woodrow Call

Captain Woodrow F. Call is a former Texas Ranger and Augustus McCrae’s best friend. In their days with the Rangers, Call rode with (and commanded) Pea Eye, Deets, and Jake Spoonread analysis of Captain Woodrow Call

Augustus McCrae

Augustus McCrae is a former Texas Ranger—Pea Eye Parker, Deets, and Jake all served under his command—who has been Woodrow Call’s best friend for many years. Born in Tennessee, Augustus set… read analysis of Augustus McCrae

Lorena Wood

Lorena Wood is a sex worker who lives at the Dry Bean Saloon in Lonesome Dove. Born in Alabama, she started traveling west at the age of 12, first with her parents and then—after their… read analysis of Lorena Wood

Jake Spoon

Jake Spoon is a former Texas Ranger and friend of Augustus McCrae, Woodrow Call, Pea Eye Parker, and Deets. He leaves Lonesome Dove soon after the establishment of the Hat Creek… read analysis of Jake Spoon

Newt

Newt is the son of Maggie and Woodrow Call, although Call steadfastly refuses to acknowledge the boy. After Maggie dies, the Hat Creek Company universally adopts Newt and raises him together. Newt looks up… read analysis of Newt
Get the entire Lonesome Dove LitChart as a printable PDF.
Lonesome Dove PDF

Clara Allen

Clara Allen is a former love interest of both Augustus McCrae and Jake Spoon. Her parents ran a dry good store in Texas, and she took over the business after they were killed during… read analysis of Clara Allen

Blue Duck

Blue Duck is an Indigenous man known to Augustus and Call as a Comanchero—traders who bought and sold goods with Indigenous people in the traditional lands of the Comanche nation (present-day New Mexico)—turned outlaw who… read analysis of Blue Duck

July Johnson

July Johnson is the sheriff of Fort Smith, Arkansas, the newlywed husband of Elmira and the stepfather of Joe Boot. When Jake Spoon shoots his brother, who also happens to be the mayor, his… read analysis of July Johnson

Dish Boggett

Despite his young age (only 22 at the start of the drive), Dishwater Boggett is an experienced south Texas cowhand. He hangs around the Dry Bean Saloon because he’s in love with Lorena Woodread analysis of Dish Boggett

Deets

Joshua Deets is a former Texas Ranger who rode with Augustus McCrae, Woodrow Call, Jake Spoon, Pea Eye Parker, and others. After Call and Augustus retire from the Rangers, Deets followed… read analysis of Deets

Po Campo

Po Campo is the Mexican cook who Call hires in Austin to join the cattle drive after Bolivar leaves. Po Campo walks all the way to Montana, refusing to ride because he claims it’s uncivilized… read analysis of Po Campo

Pea Eye

Pea Eye Parker is a former Texas Ranger who served alongside Augustus McCrae, Captain Call, Jake Spoon, Deets, and others. When Call and Augustus retire from the Rangers, Pea Eye joins… read analysis of Pea Eye

Elmira

Elmira is a former sex worker from Kansas who had her son, Joe, with a gambler named Dee Boot. When Dee strikes north for new ground, he leaves Elmira behind in Missouri. Then… read analysis of Elmira

Roscoe Brown

Roscoe Brown is July Johnson’s deputy sheriff in Fort Smith, Arkansas. A somewhat slow-witted man, the citizens of Fort Smith consider him ineffective for any job bigger than arresting the local drunkard, who’s nearly… read analysis of Roscoe Brown

Janey

Janey is a little girl with a sad history. She grew up in Texas but lost her brother, mother, and father to various accidents. After that she lived with a Dutchman and then a man… read analysis of Janey

Xavier Wanz

Xavier Wanz is the proprietor of the Dry Bean saloon in Lonesome Dove, Texas. He moved to Texas from New Orleans, where he worked as a waiter in fine restaurants. He is Lonesome Dove’s most… read analysis of Xavier Wanz

Sean O’Brien

Sean O’Brien is an Irishman who immigrates to the United States with his older brother, Allen. Call, McCrae, and the rest of the Hat Creek boys discover them in Mexico and escort… read analysis of Sean O’Brien

Lippy Jones

Lippy Jones is a resident of Lonesome Dove and the piano player for the Dry Bean saloon. Formerly an able cowhand, Lippy has a wound in his stomach from a gunshot that won’t properly heal… read analysis of Lippy Jones

Bolivar

Bolivar is a former Mexican horse bandit turned the Hat Creek Cattle Company cook. A dour man, he has a wife and several daughters who still live in Mexico and whom he visits at regular—if… read analysis of Bolivar

Joe Boot

Joe Boot is the son of Elmira and Dee Boot. Clearly unwanted and unloved by his mother, he quickly strikes up a friendship with his stepfather, July Johnson, after July marries Elmira. Joe… read analysis of Joe Boot

Wilbarger

Wilbarger is a cowboy whose horses are stolen by Mexican bandits and recovered for him by McCrae, Call, Jake Spoon, Deets, Pea Eye, Dish Boggett, and Newt. A… read analysis of Wilbarger

Big Zwey

Big Zwey is a buffalo hunter traveling in Fowler’s company when they pick up Elmira in Fort Smith. He takes a fancy to her and protects her from the attentions of the other men… read analysis of Big Zwey

Dan Suggs

Dan Suggs is a failed cowhand-turned-outlaw and gambler whose gang—comprised of Dan’s brothers Roy and Ed and also a Black man named Frog LipJake Spoon joins at Fort Worth. Dan and his gang… read analysis of Dan Suggs

Roy Suggs

Roy is the middle Suggs brother between Dan and Ed. Along with his brothers and Frog Lip, he lives as an outlaw in Indian Territory. After they steal Wilbarger’s horses and murder… read analysis of Roy Suggs

Ed Suggs

Ed is the youngest Suggs brother, after Dan and Roy. Along with his brothers and Frog Lip, he lives as an outlaw in Indian Territory. After they steal Wilbarger’s horses and murder… read analysis of Ed Suggs

Frog Lip

Frog Lip is a member of Dan, Roy, and Ed Suggs’s criminal gang. He is a Black man, he rides a very recognizable white horse, and he’s possibly the best shot Jakeread analysis of Frog Lip

Jasper Fant

Jasper Fant is an experienced cowhand hired by Call to join the drive. A fearful man, Jasper is especially afraid of drowning on one of the many river crossings, and so he fashions rude floats… read analysis of Jasper Fant

Soupy Jones

Soupy is a former Texas Ranger turned cowhand who Call hires to join the cattle drive. He was once a close friend of Jake Spoon. Over the course of the drive, Soupy becomes more… read analysis of Soupy Jones

Sally Skull

Sally Skull is a rough-edged sex worker with whom Jake Spoon lives for a time in Fort Worth. She is the antithesis of Lorena: harsh and boney where Lorena is beautiful, and brusque where… read analysis of Sally Skull

Luke

Luke is Big Zwey’s friend and fellow buffalo hunter. He’s much smarter but also much smaller than Big Zwey. When he, Zwey, and Elmira are travelling from Bent’s Fort to Ogallala, he tries to… read analysis of Luke

Peach Johnson

Peach Johnson is July Johnson’s sister-in-law and the widow of Fort Smith’s mayor-cum-dentist, who died at Jake Spoon’s hand. Peach is a large, domineering woman who won’t be deterred from her goals. She… read analysis of Peach Johnson

Louisa Brooks

Lousia Brooks is a woman who moved from Alabama to Arkansas, where she has a farm. She’s outlived two husbands and is on the lookout for a third when Roscoe Brown passes by. Thinking she… read analysis of Louisa Brooks

Allen O’Brien

Allen O’Brien is an Irishman who immigrates to the United States with his younger brother, Sean, leaving a wife behind in Ireland. Call, McCray and the rest of the Hat Creek boys discover… read analysis of Allen O’Brien

Dog Face

Dog Face is one of two white men in Blue Duck’s band of brigands. He and Monkey John purchase a half share of Lorena from Blue Duck with some hides. He’s younger and kinder… read analysis of Dog Face

Ermoke

Ermoke is a member of Blue Duck’s criminal gang. A member of the Kiowa nation, he is the leader among the other Indigenous men. When Blue Duck gives the Kiowa men a half-share of… read analysis of Ermoke

Hutto

Hutto is a bandit who works the trail between Fort Smith, Arkansas and Fort Worth, Texas with his partner, Jim. They attempt to rob Roscoe Brown. Hutto is an immense mountain of a… read analysis of Hutto

Jim

Jim is a bandit who works the trail between Fort Smith, Arkansas and Fort Worth, Texas, with his partner Hutto. When they attempt to rob Roscoe Brown and Janey, Janey escapes and seriously… read analysis of Jim

Dee Boot

Dee Boot is a gambler and former lover of Elmira. He’s the father of her son, Joe. He’s also a former lover and alleged husband of Jennie. After he leaves Elmira in… read analysis of Dee Boot

Bob Allen

Bob Allen is the unintelligent horse trader who marries Clara Allen. They have three sons (who all die in childhood) and two daughters—Sally and Betsey—together. Sixteen years later, after they’ve gone to… read analysis of Bob Allen

Hugh Auld

Hugh Auld is an elderly fur trapper living in Montana Territory when the cattle drive arrives. He is on good terms with many of the Indigenous nations in the area. He encounters—and helps—the grievously wounded… read analysis of Hugh Auld

John Tinkersley

John Tinkersley is a gambler who meets Lorena Wood while she is living as Mosby’s mistress. He takes a liking to Lorena and brings her with him to San Antonio, where he forces her… read analysis of John Tinkersley

Dr. Joseph Cincinnatus Mobley

Dr. Mobley is one of two physicians residing in Miles City, and he’s the one who amputates Augustus’s leg. Dr. Mobley subsequently tries—but fails—to convince Gus to let him amputate the second one to… read analysis of Dr. Joseph Cincinnatus Mobley
Minor Characters
Fowler
Fowler is the leader of the crew of whiskey traders with whom Elmira leaves Fort Smith. While she’s in their company, Fowler takes Elmira under his wing, offering her protection and occasional friendly conversation. He encourages her to go across the plains with buffalo hunter Big Zwey.
Bert Borum
Bert Borum is an experienced cowhand hired by Call to join the drive to Montana. Bert is very proud of his roping skills and shows them off whenever he gets the opportunity, provoking the other cowhands. He leaves the company with Soupy Jones after spending one winter in Montana.
Monkey John
Monkey John is one of two white men in Blue Duck’s band of brigands. He and Dog Face purchase a half share of Lorena from Blue Duck with some hides, and he subsequently rapes and beats Lorena frequently. Augustus McCrae shoots Monkey John dead when he rescues Lorena.
Pedro Flores
Pedro Flores is a Mexican rancher, cattle rustler, and old rival of Call and McCrae with large holdings just south of the border. His men are responsible for stealing the horses that belong to Wilbarger’s and Chick’s company. He dies before the cattle drive gets underway.
Dillard Brawley
Dillard Brawley is Lonesome Dove’s white barber. One of his legs had to be amputated following an infected centipede bite. When Call returns to Lonesome Dove, it’s Dillard who tells him what happened to Xavier Wanz and the Dry Bean Saloon.
Jennie
Jennie is a sex worker living in Dodge City, Kansas. She was a close friend of Elmira’s and another of Dee Boot’s lovers. She treats July Johnson very kindly and tells him some of Elmira’s history when he makes it to Dodge City.
Sally Allen
At 10 years old, Sally Allen is the older of Bob and Clara Allen’s two daughters. She is vivacious and friendly and quickly befriends July Johnson, Newt, and Dish Boggett when each—at various points—stops by her family’s farm.
Betsey Allen
Betsey Allen is the younger of Bob and Clara Allen’s two daughters. She is three years younger than her sister. She likes company as much as her sister but becomes more attached to Lorena Wood than any of the menfolk who pass by.
Cholo
Cholo is an elderly Mexican cowhand whom Bob and Clara Allen hire to help run their horse farm in Nebraska. He is entirely devoted to Clara and takes excellent care of her and her family, especially after Bob is grievously injured by an unbroken mare.
Mosby
Mosby is a Texan ne’er-do-well who convinces Lorena Wood that he is a southern gentleman and takes her from Baton Rouge to Gladewater, Texas as his live-in mistress. He introduces her to John Tinkersley when he offers Lorena’s sexual services to the gambler.
Mary Cole
Mary Cole is a widow who lives in Lonesome Dove. One of the town’s few literate citizens, she often reads aloud from the Bible during church services. McCall and Deets like to tease Pea Eye about marrying Mary.
Swift Bill Spettle
Swift Bill Spettle is a greenhorn cowhand hired by Call along with his older brother Pete. Lightning strikes Bill, killing him instantly, when the drive is between the Red and the Canadian Rivers in northern Texas.
Pete Spettle
Pete Spettle is a greenhorn cowhand hired by Call along with his younger brother Swift Bill. He makes it all the way to Montana.
Jimmy Rainey
Jimmy Rainey is a greenhorn cowhand hired by Call along with his brother Ben. He makes it all the way to Montana.
Ben Rainey
Ben Rainey is a greenhorn cowhand hired by Call along with his brother Jimmy. He makes it all the way to Montana.
Needle Nelson
Needle Nelson is an experienced cowhand hired by Call to join the drive to Montana. He makes it all the way north and stays on with the company afterwards.
Maggie
Maggie was a sex worker and Newt’s mother, although she died years before the events in Lonesome Dove take place. Her clients included Woodrow Call and Jake Spoon.
Martin
Martin is Elmira’s son—possibly with July Johnson, possibly with one of the buffalo hunters who were among her clients when she was still a sex worker. After Elmira abandons him, Clara Allen gives him his name and takes care of him.
Aus Frank
Aus Frank was a trapper-turned Waco businessman whom Call and McCrae arrested for robbing a bank when they were Rangers. Frank escaped from jail and disappeared. While tracking Blue Duck, Augustus finds him collecting buffalo bones on the banks of the Canadian River.
Dixon
Dixon is Captain Weaver’s scout. In Ogallala, he tries to buy—and then requisition—Dish Boggett’s horse and when Newt tries to stop him, he ends up attacking Newt with a horse whip. Call beats him senseless for touching Newt.
Captain Weaver
Captain Weaver is an officer in the United States Army who tries unsuccessfully to requisition horses from Call’s and McCrae’s remuda near Ogallala, Nebraska.
Old Sam
Old Sam is the old man who buys Janey from Bill for 40 skunk pelts. He abuses her severely. She breaks his knees before running away.
Sedgwick
Sedgwick is an entomologist-turned-itinerant preacher whom July Johnson and Joe Boot briefly meet as they cross the Red River from Arkansas into Texas.
Charlie Barnes
Charlie Barnes is a banker in Fort Smith, Arkansas, who attaches himself to Peach Johnson after she becomes a widow.
Chick
Chick is Wilbarger’s noticeably short and undignified employee. He dies at the hands of Dan, Roy, and Ed Suggs when they steal Wilbarger’s horses.
Dora
Dora is a tubercular sex worker who was born in Philadelphia but ended up in Miles City, Montana. She plays the piano while Augustus is dying.
Big Tom
Big Tom is an allegedly accidental and reformed horse thief who briefly lives at the Hat Creek Cattle Company’s ranch until Call catches him stealing from the men and executes him.
Charles Goodnight
Charles Goodnight is a former lawman turned cattle rancher who visits Call’s camp when Call is traveling through Colorado on his way back to Texas. He tells Call about Blue Duck’s impending execution.
Bill
Bill is the man who sold Janey to Old Sam for 40 skunk pelts.