Significant Characters
Thomas Builds-the Fire- Spokane story teller who has lived on the Spokane reservation his entire life. He is roughly 30 years old, of average build, with a mildly insecure personality. For his entire life he has been picked on by many members of the reservation. Great story teller, always seeking more knowledge.
Robert Johnson- African American who sold his soul to “the Gentleman” and seeks help at retrieving it in Wellpinit.
Big Mom- Large mysterious Spokane woman who lives atop Wellpinit hill and is rumored to have helped many great musicians make it big.
Victor Joseph- Town bully who becomes the lead guitarist in Coyote Springs using Robert Johnson’s old guitar
Junior Polatkin- Victor’s side-kick. He is good-natured but fails to gain the courage to stand up to Victor. Eventually he becomes the drummer for Coyote Springs.
Chess Warm Water- Flathead Indian who falls for Thomas and joins Coyote Springs. She sings back-up vocals and plays the keyboard.
Checkers Warm Water- Flathead Indian sister of Chess. She falls for much older men, and joins Coyote Springs with her sister to sing back-up vocals as well as play keyboard.
Father Arnold- Middle aged, white Catholic Priest on the reservation who becomes Checkers love interest.
Mr. Sheridan and Mr. Wright- Two mysterious record company executives who offer Coyote Springs the chance of a lifetime.
Read more about this topic: Reservation Blues
Famous quotes containing the words significant and/or characters:
“Play permits the child to resolve in symbolic form unsolved problems of the past and to cope directly or symbolically with present concerns. It is also his most significant tool for preparing himself for the future and its tasks.”
—Bruno Bettelheim (20th century)
“For our vanity is such that we hold our own characters immutable, and we are slow to acknowledge that they have changed, even for the better.”
—E.M. (Edward Morgan)