The Chainbearer: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Chainbearer" features a compelling exploration of its major characters within a narrative centered on themes of loyalty, justice, and the complexities of landownership in a post-Revolutionary America. The story is narrated by Mordaunt Littlepage, a young landowner who faces the dangers of lawlessness when he encounters squatters on his property, leading to his imprisonment. His loyal friend, Andries Coejemans, known as Chainbearer, plays a crucial role in the narrative, embodying the virtues of friendship and bravery as he attempts to rescue Mordaunt, resulting in his own tragic fate.
Other significant characters include Ursula Malbone, affectionately called Dus, who marries Mordaunt and embodies resilience and compassion. The antagonistic Aaron Timberman and his family represent the lawless squatters encroaching on Mordaunt’s land, while characters like Jaap, Mordaunt's loyal servant, and Susquesus, an indigenous hunter, highlight themes of loyalty and diverse perspectives within the community. The impact of these characters on Mordaunt and his family's legacy underscores the enduring connections formed through shared adversity and gratitude. Overall, "The Chainbearer" offers a rich character study set against the backdrop of early American society and its evolving moral landscape.
The Chainbearer: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: James Fenimore Cooper
First published: 1845
Genre: Novel
Locale: Upstate New York
Plot: Historical
Time: c. 1785
Mordaunt Littlepage, a young landowner, the narrator of The Chainbearer. On a visit to his wilderness tract, Ravensnest, he has a run-in with lawless squatters, who imprison him. He is finally rescued by a posse after a battle with his captors. He marries Chainbearer's niece, Dus Malbone.
Andries Coejemans, also known as Chainbearer, an old woodsman and surveyor, Mordaunt Littlepage's devoted friend from Revolutionary War days, when they were both captains. In his attempt to rescue Mordaunt from the squatter outlaws, he is imprisoned with his friend and mortally wounded by his captors. Feeling deeply indebted to Chainbearer for their happiness, the Littlepage family erects a monument in his honor and reveres his memory all of their lives.
Ursula Malbone, nicknamed Dus, Chainbearer's orphaned niece, who marries Mordaunt.
Jaap, Mordaunt's loyal black servant.
Aaron Timberman, nicknamed Thousandacres, a squatter and illegal operator of a sawmill on Mordaunt's land. He imprisons Mordaunt and is later slain by the rescuing posse.
Tobit and Zephanaiah Timberman, Aaron's lawless sons.
Lowiny Timberman, Aaron's daughter. She tries to help the imprisoned Mordaunt and, after his marriage to Dus, becomes their maid.
Jason Newcome, the untrustworthy squire at Ravensnest village.
Frank Malbone, Dus' half brother and Mordaunt's agent at Ravensnest.
Susquesus, nicknamed Trackless, an Indian hunter, loyal friend of Mordaunt and Chainbearer.
Cornelius Littlepage and Anneke Littlepage, Mordaunt's parents.
Kate Littlepage, Mordaunt's sister.
Tom Bayard, betrothed to Kate.
Priscilla Bayard, Tom's sister.
Dirck Follock, Cornelius Littlepage's friend.