# The Virginian — Character guide

> Key figures in The Virginian by Owen Wister.

- [Molly Stark Wood](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_virginian_se/characters/molly_stark_wood.md): The refined New England woman who becomes the Virginian's love interest and moral anchor.
- [The Virginian](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_virginian_se/characters/the_virginian.md): The unnamed cowboy protagonist, a foreman at Judge Henry's ranch, known for his code of honor.
- [Trampas](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_virginian_se/characters/trampas.md): The villainous cowboy who antagonizes the Virginian, leading to a famous showdown.
- [Scipio Le Moyne](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_virginian_se/characters/scipio_le_moyne.md): A loyal and philosophical cowboy friend of the Virginian, often providing comic relief.
- [Balaam](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_virginian_se/characters/balaam.md): A cruel horse trader whose mistreatment of animals leads to a violent confrontation.
- [Shorty](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_virginian_se/characters/shorty.md): A hapless cowboy who becomes entangled with Trampas and meets a tragic end.
- [Judge Henry](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_virginian_se/characters/judge_henry.md): The Virginian's employer and a respected cattle rancher and judge in Wyoming.
- [Steve](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_virginian_se/characters/steve.md): An old friend of the Virginian who turns to cattle rustling and faces dire consequences.
- [Taylor](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_virginian_se/characters/taylor.md): A storekeeper and postmaster in the town, father of Georgie and friend to Molly.
- [Dr. MacBride](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_virginian_se/characters/dr_macbride.md): The local minister and physician who officiates weddings and counsels the community.
- [Lin McLean](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_virginian_se/characters/lin_mclean.md): A cowboy friend of the Virginian, known for his wild ways and eventual marriage.
- [Em'ly](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_virginian_se/characters/em_ly.md): Molly's spirited horse, central to a chapter and a symbol of her independence.
- [Uncle Hughey](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_virginian_se/characters/uncle_hughey.md): An elderly, talkative cowboy who tells tall tales and annoys the younger men.
- [Monte](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_virginian_se/characters/monte.md): The Virginian's beloved horse, a constant companion throughout his adventures.
- [Mrs. Henry](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_virginian_se/characters/mrs_henry.md): Judge Henry's kind wife who befriends Molly and offers her hospitality.
- [Sam Bannett](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_virginian_se/characters/sam_bannett.md): A cowboy who participates in the lynching of Steve and later aids the Virginian.
- [Jim Westfall](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_virginian_se/characters/jim_westfall.md): A young man from Bennington who courts Molly before the Virginian appears.
- [Honey Wiggin](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_virginian_se/characters/honey_wiggin.md): A slick-talking cowboy and gambler who causes trouble for the Virginian.
- [Colonel Cyrus Jones](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_virginian_se/characters/colonel_cyrus_jones.md): A pompous military man who visits the ranch and clashes with the Virginian.
- [Delmonico](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_virginian_se/characters/delmonico.md): A famous New York restaurateur referenced in a story about the Virginian's travels.
- [Georgie Taylor](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_virginian_se/characters/georgie_taylor.md): The young son of Mr. Taylor who becomes attached to the Virginian.
- [Grandmother Stark](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_virginian_se/characters/grandmother_stark.md): Molly's stern grandmother who disapproves of her relationship with the Virginian.
- [Pedro](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_virginian_se/characters/pedro.md): A horse owned by Balaam, subjected to cruelty and central to a key scene.
- [Mrs. Wood](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_virginian_se/characters/mrs_wood.md): Molly's mother, a widow living in Bennington who supports her daughter's choices.
- [Bob Carmody](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_virginian_se/characters/bob_carmody.md): A cowboy who gets into a fight with the Virginian over a card game.
- [Henry Dow](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_virginian_se/characters/henry_dow.md): A local man who marries Anna Maria and is involved in a subplot with Molly.
- [Anna Maria Dow](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_virginian_se/characters/anna_maria_dow.md): A friend of Molly's who marries Henry Dow and moves West.
- [Mr. Ogden](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_virginian_se/characters/mr_ogden.md): A neighbor of Judge Henry who hosts social gatherings and is a cattleman.
- [Mrs. Flynt](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_virginian_se/characters/mrs_flynt.md): A boarding house keeper in town where the Virginian sometimes stays.
- [Andrew Bell](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_virginian_se/characters/andrew_bell.md): A friend of the Virginian from his past, mentioned in letters.
- [Little Alfred](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_virginian_se/characters/little_alfred.md): A young boy who appears briefly in the story, possibly related to the Taylors.
- [Ben Swinton](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_virginian_se/characters/ben_swinton.md): A rancher and neighbor involved in cattle disputes and social events.
- [Sarah Bell](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_virginian_se/characters/sarah_bell.md): A woman mentioned in correspondence, possibly a relative of Andrew Bell.
- [Edward](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_virginian_se/characters/edward.md): A minor character who appears in a scene with the Virginian and others.
- [Uncle Hewie](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_virginian_se/characters/uncle_hewie.md): An elderly man mentioned in passing, possibly a relative of a character.
- [Buck and Muggins](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_virginian_se/characters/buck_and_muggins.md): Two dogs owned by Judge Henry, often mentioned in ranch scenes.
- [Bokay Baldy](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_virginian_se/characters/bokay_baldy.md): A cowboy with a distinctive nickname, part of the ranch crew.
- [Laramie Widow](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_virginian_se/characters/laramie_wido.md): A woman in Laramie who is briefly mentioned in a story about Shorty.
- [The Drummer](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_virginian_se/characters/the_drummer.md): A traveling salesman who appears in a stagecoach scene with the Virginian.
- [A Large Stranger](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_virginian_se/characters/a_large_stranger.md): An unnamed man who confronts the Virginian in a saloon early in the book.

HTML index: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_virginian_se/characters