Laughing Boy · Characters
Character guide
Key figures in Laughing Boy by Oliver La Farge.
Laughing Boy
major
Also known as Boy, So Laughing Boy, Pollen Boy
A young Navajo man, gentle and skilled in silverwork, who marries Slim Girl and struggles between tradition and change.
Slim Girl
major
Also known as III Slim Girl, IV Slim Girl, Girl
A Navajo woman educated in white schools, caught between two worlds, who becomes Laughing Boy's wife.
Yellow Singer
supporting
A traditional Navajo medicine man and singer who performs ceremonies and advises Laughing Boy.
Red Man
supporting
Also known as II Red Man, Watching Red Man
A Navajo man, friend and rival to Laughing Boy, involved in tribal affairs.
Narrow Nose
minor
A Navajo character, part of Laughing Boy's community and social circle.
Wounded Face
minor
Also known as old Wounded Face
An older Navajo man, respected elder in the tribe.
Dawn Boy
minor
Also known as Dawn Boy Hill
A Navajo character, possibly a ceremonial figure or acquaintance of Laughing Boy.
Jesting Squaw
minor
Also known as Squaw, Now Jesting Squaw
A Navajo woman known for her humor and sharp tongue in the community.
Grandfather
minor
Also known as the Grandfather
An elderly Navajo man, possibly Laughing Boy's grandfather or a village elder.
Twice Brave
minor
A Navajo warrior or notable figure in the community.
Blunt Nose
minor
Also known as Meantime Blunt Nose
A Navajo man, part of the tribal social fabric.
Yellow Mustache
minor
A Navajo man, possibly a trader or community member.
Mountain Singer
minor
A Navajo singer and ceremonial practitioner.
Bay Horse
minor
Also known as Spotted Horse
A Navajo man, possibly a horse owner or rider.
Ahalani
minor
A Navajo character, possibly a friend or relative of Laughing Boy.
Oljeto
minor
A Navajo man, possibly a trader or guide.
Tall Brave
minor
A Navajo warrior or notable figure.
Big Tall Man
minor
A physically imposing Navajo man in the community.
Tsé Lani
minor
A Navajo character, possibly a medicine man or elder.
Tall Hunter
minor
A Navajo hunter and provider for the community.
Tall Old One
minor
Also known as One
An elderly Navajo man, likely a respected elder.
Sings Before Spears
minor
A Navajo warrior or ceremonial singer.
Chiziai
minor
A Navajo woman, possibly a friend of Slim Girl.
Washindon
minor
A Navajo man, possibly a trader or traveler to Washington.
Two Bows
minor
A Navajo warrior or hunter.
Slender Hair
minor
A Navajo woman, possibly a relative of Slim Girl.
Man Hammer
minor
A Navajo man, possibly a silversmith or laborer.
Natinesthani
minor
A Navajo character, possibly a medicine man.
Half Man
minor
A Navajo man, possibly a mixed-race character.
Straight Fingers
minor
A Navajo man, possibly a craftsman or hunter.
Lily
minor
Also known as Lillian
A white woman, possibly a teacher or missionary.
George Hartshorn
minor
Also known as George
A white trader or government agent interacting with Navajo.
Mr. Waters
minor
A white man, possibly a trader or official.
Tlakai
minor
Also known as T’o Tlakai
A Navajo man, possibly a relative of Laughing Boy.
Reared
minor
A Navajo character, possibly a young man or warrior.
