Who is Thomas Builds-the-Fire from Reservation Blues and what is their importance?

Thomas is the protagonist of the novel. The first qualities one notices about Thomas are his tendency toward kindness and compassion toward his fellow man. His kindness extends beyond his fellow reservation residents. When Robert Johnson arrives on the reservation, Thomas is the first person to stop and speak to him. Thomas also offers assistance, and it is through Thomas's help that Robert Johnson finds Big Mom and is freed from his previous arrangement with The Gentleman.