Harrison Houk is a well-known person in the Four Corners region. He is a wealthy landowner and former politician. Houk has also gained a reputation for less than ethical business dealings. His tough persona is tempered by the affection he feels toward his mentally ill son, Brigham. Despite a horrendous tragedy where Brigham killed his mother and all of Houk's other children, Harrison Houk still loves his son. And despite many years of having to rely solely on himself, Houk still has the capacity to trust, as shown in the confidence he places in Joe Leaphorn.