Bear 's Brother

See Thomas Black Bull

Killer Tom Black

See Thomas Black Bull

Bessie Black Bull

Bessie is Tom's mother. After her husband runs to the mountains to escape jail, she waits until the middle of the night, then packs up a few items of clothing and utensils, takes her young son, and follows her husband into the wilderness. When her husband dies, she teaches Tom all the old stories and songs of his native culture.

Bessie gathers seeds and berries for food. She also is a basket maker and sells her wares in town in exchange for blankets and winter clothing. During one winter, Bessie becomes sick. When her condition worsens, she tells Tom to "Sing the song for going away." She dies shortly thereafter.

George Black Bull

George Black Bull is Tom's father. In the beginning of the story, he gets into trouble for having killed...