Character guide

Molly Stark Wood

major

Also known as Miss Mary Stark Wood, Molly Stark, Molly, the old Molly Stark, the young Molly, Stark, Miss Molly Stark Wood

The refined New England woman who becomes the Virginian's love interest and moral anchor.

The Virginian

major

Also known as Virginian, the embarrassed Virginian, The saturnine Virginian

The unnamed cowboy protagonist, a foreman at Judge Henry's ranch, known for his code of honor.

Trampas

major

Also known as Therefore Trampas, Saving Trampas, Mr. Trampas

The villainous cowboy who antagonizes the Virginian, leading to a famous showdown.

Scipio Le Moyne

supporting

Also known as Scipio, the prompt Scipio, the complete Scipio, Presently Scipio, Scipio Le Moyne

A loyal and philosophical cowboy friend of the Virginian, often providing comic relief.

Balaam

supporting

Also known as Mrs. Balaam, Mr. Balaam

A cruel horse trader whose mistreatment of animals leads to a violent confrontation.

Shorty

supporting

Also known as the excellent Shorty, Poor Shorty, the docile Shorty, the ruffled Shorty, poor stupid Shorty, So Shorty, poor Shorty

A hapless cowboy who becomes entangled with Trampas and meets a tragic end.

Judge Henry

supporting

Also known as The Judge, Henry, Hank

The Virginian's employer and a respected cattle rancher and judge in Wyoming.

Steve

supporting

Also known as Medicine Bow, Steve of Medicine Bow, the Steve

An old friend of the Virginian who turns to cattle rustling and faces dire consequences.

Taylor

supporting

Also known as Mrs. Taylor, Mr. Taylor, Now Mr. Taylor

A storekeeper and postmaster in the town, father of Georgie and friend to Molly.

Dr. MacBride

supporting

Also known as the Rev. Dr. Alexander MacBride, the doctor, the Doctor, The Doctor

The local minister and physician who officiates weddings and counsels the community.

Lin McLean

supporting

Also known as young Lin McLean, McLean, Mr. McLean

A cowboy friend of the Virginian, known for his wild ways and eventual marriage.

Em'ly

minor

Also known as VI Em'ly

Molly's spirited horse, central to a chapter and a symbol of her independence.

Uncle Hughey

minor

An elderly, talkative cowboy who tells tall tales and annoys the younger men.

Monte

minor

Also known as Monte hawss

The Virginian's beloved horse, a constant companion throughout his adventures.

Mrs. Henry

minor

Judge Henry's kind wife who befriends Molly and offers her hospitality.

Sam Bannett

minor

Also known as Sam

A cowboy who participates in the lynching of Steve and later aids the Virginian.

Jim Westfall

minor

Also known as James, Westfall, Jim, young James, James Westfall, good James

A young man from Bennington who courts Molly before the Virginian appears.

Honey Wiggin

minor

Also known as Wiggin, Honey, the agile Wiggin

A slick-talking cowboy and gambler who causes trouble for the Virginian.

Colonel Cyrus Jones

minor

A pompous military man who visits the ranch and clashes with the Virginian.

Delmonico

minor

Also known as Lorenzo Delmonico, Lorenzo

A famous New York restaurateur referenced in a story about the Virginian's travels.

Georgie Taylor

minor

Also known as Taylor, Little George Taylor, George Taylor, George, little George Taylor

The young son of Mr. Taylor who becomes attached to the Virginian.

Grandmother Stark

minor

Molly's stern grandmother who disapproves of her relationship with the Virginian.

Pedro

minor

A horse owned by Balaam, subjected to cruelty and central to a key scene.

Mrs. Wood

minor

Also known as John, poor Mrs. Wood, Mrs. John Stark Wood

Molly's mother, a widow living in Bennington who supports her daughter's choices.

Bob Carmody

minor

Also known as Poor Bob Carmody, Bob, poor Bob, Bob Carmody

A cowboy who gets into a fight with the Virginian over a card game.

Henry Dow

minor

Also known as Henry

A local man who marries Anna Maria and is involved in a subplot with Molly.

Anna Maria Dow

minor

A friend of Molly's who marries Henry Dow and moves West.

Mr. Ogden

minor

Also known as Ogden, Mrs. Ogden

A neighbor of Judge Henry who hosts social gatherings and is a cattleman.

Mrs. Flynt

minor

A boarding house keeper in town where the Virginian sometimes stays.

Andrew Bell

minor

Also known as Mrs. Andrew Bell, Andrew, Mrs. Bell

A friend of the Virginian from his past, mentioned in letters.

Little Alfred

minor

Also known as Alfred

A young boy who appears briefly in the story, possibly related to the Taylors.

Ben Swinton

minor

Also known as Swinton, The Swintons, the Swintons

A rancher and neighbor involved in cattle disputes and social events.

Sarah Bell

minor

Also known as Sarah

A woman mentioned in correspondence, possibly a relative of Andrew Bell.

Edward

minor

Also known as Ed, Poor Ed

A minor character who appears in a scene with the Virginian and others.

Uncle Hewie

minor

An elderly man mentioned in passing, possibly a relative of a character.

Buck and Muggins

minor

Also known as Buck, Muggins

Two dogs owned by Judge Henry, often mentioned in ranch scenes.

Bokay Baldy

minor

Also known as Baldy, Bokay

A cowboy with a distinctive nickname, part of the ranch crew.

Laramie Widow

minor

A woman in Laramie who is briefly mentioned in a story about Shorty.

The Drummer

minor

A traveling salesman who appears in a stagecoach scene with the Virginian.

A Large Stranger

minor

An unnamed man who confronts the Virginian in a saloon early in the book.