Mean Spirit: Analysis of Major Characters
"Mean Spirit" is a novel that delves into the lives of various characters within the Osage community, focusing on their struggles against exploitation and violence in early 20th-century Oklahoma. At the heart of the story is Belle Graycloud, a matriarch and tribal leader who stands against the injustices faced by her people, particularly the swindling of oil-rich land by white businessmen. Her husband, Moses Graycloud, also embodies resilience as he protests against governmental corruption and defends sacred traditions. Other key characters include Michael Horse, a tribal historian, and Grace Blanket, who becomes a victim of wealth-related murder after oil is discovered on her land. The narrative further examines the complexities of personal relationships and identity through characters like Nola, Grace's daughter, who navigates her inheritance and tumultuous life choices. The novel also introduces antagonists like John Hale, a manipulative businessman orchestrating the downfall of the Osage, and Jess Gold, a sheriff entangled in corruption. Through these characters, "Mean Spirit" highlights themes of resilience, cultural heritage, and the fight against systemic injustice within Native American communities.
Mean Spirit: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Linda Hogan
First published: 1990
Genre: Novel
Locale: Watona, Oklahoma
Plot: Magical realism
Time: 1922 and 1923
Belle Graycloud, a tribal leader of the Osage people and matriarch of the Graycloud family. She lives with her family on a farm in Watona, Oklahoma, is well schooled in tribal medicine, and keeps bees. Her peaceful life is disrupted when white businessmen swindle Indians out of their oil-rich land and murder them. Belle makes a courageous stand against the local authorities at Sorrow Cave, where she protests the shooting of sacred bats by townspeople. When John Hale and his partners discover oil on her land, she is shot by Jess Gold and left for dead. She survives, and the Indian community stages a mock funeral to protect her. Belle goes into hiding among the elusive Hill people. She later returns to her family just before Hale is convicted of theft and murder.
Moses Graycloud, Belle's husband and Osage elder. Although quiet and less flamboyant than his wife, Moses is an outspoken leader. When government officials try to cheat him and other Indians out of their government allotments, Moses bravely objects, but to no avail. As a result of his reduced income, Moses must sell his prize horse and other items to support his family. When sacred eagles are slaughtered for their feathers, Moses writes letters of protest to President Warren Harding and also informs him of the murders of oil-rich Indians. He staunchly supports Belle at Sorrow Cave. When his house is bombed, Moses kills his brother-in-law, who is a member of Hale's gang.
Michael Horse, a seer and keeper of the eternal fire of the Osage tribe. He is the last person in the territory to live in a tepee but one of the first to own a car. Michael is the tribal historian and keeps a personal diary as well. His quest to capture Benoit's horse, Redshirt, leads him to the Hill settlement, where he continues his work on the history of his people.
Grace Blanket, one of the Hill Indians who descends to Watona to live among the whites. Oil is discovered on her land, and she becomes the richest Indian in the territory. Her wealth makes her a target for white swindlers who eventually murder her.
Nola, Grace's beautiful thirteen-year-old daughter. She lives with the Grayclouds after her mother's death. She is protected by four Hill Indians, one of whom is presumed to be her father. Nola inherits her mother's wealth and marries Will Forest, the son of her guardian. Pregnant by Will and fearful that he might kill her for her inheritance, Nola shoots her husband, escapes to the Hill people, and there gives birth to a daughter.
Stace Red Hawk, a Sioux and a government investigator working to uncover the identity of those who are murdering Indians in Watona. He masterminds Belle's fake funeral and works to expose Hale's illegal schemes. Finally, he quits his government post and follows his calling as a medicine man.
Lettie Graycloud, Moses and Belle's beautiful older daughter. She is the mistress and eventual wife of Benoit. She and Benoit marry while he is incarcerated, and they are allowed a wedding night in a local hotel under armed guard. After Benoit's death, Lettie becomes more active in tribal affairs.
Benoit, a handsome French Indian who is the husband of Sara Blanket and, after Sara's murder, Lettie Graycloud. He is arrested on suspicion of murdering his wife and is held for several months but never formally charged. The day after he marries Lettie, Benoit is found hanged in his cell, his death presumed a suicide.
John Hale, a white businessman and oil magnate. Hale is the ringleader of a group of white men who attempt to swindle the Indians out of their oil-laden land. His technique is to convince them to sign an insurance policy, appointing him as the beneficiary. He then arranges their deaths and collects the insurance money. He eventually is caught, tried, and sent to prison.
Jess Gold, the sheriff of Watona. He is attracted to Lettie Graycloud and dates her before her marriage to Benoit. He also opposes Belle when she defends Sorrow Cave. After Belle is shot, Gold is found near her body, suffering from convulsions resulting from repeated stings by Belle's bees. He dies a short time later. When Hale is tried, it is revealed that Gold was a key member of Hale's group and Belle's attempted murderer.
Louise Graycloud, Belle and Moses' second daughter, who rejects her Indian heritage. After the murders and the suffering of her family, she returns to Indian ways.
Floyd Graycloud, Louise's white husband, who takes Louise's surname and embraces the Indian culture.
Ben Graycloud and Rena Graycloud, Floyd and Louise's children.