Character Clues

Character Analysis

Actions

We know Uncas is a fantastic tracker—even better than Hawkeye—not because he brags about it, or because the narrator tells us, but because we actually witness him pointing out marks on the trail that his companions miss. Given the objective narration, we typically learn about characters in The Last of the Mohicans via their actions. Cora's self-confidence and determination, for example, are conveyed by her willingness to consistently speak her mind. Heyworth is shown to have the personality of an overcooked noodle because he's so crazily incompetent.

Direct Characterization

In Chapter Eleven, Alice Munro is described "like some beautiful emblem of the wounded delicacy of her sex, devoid of animation and yet keenly conscious" (11.74). This description of Alice Munro goes far beyond mere metaphor, because in the novel, that's exactly what Alice is: a beautiful emblem.

She's scarcely a real person in the text and more of an idea—a beautiful, helpless heroine. Other instances of direct characterization include describing Hawkeye as having a face of "sturdy honesty" and Magua as a "Prince of Darkness." Saying someone is like the devil is a pretty good way of saying "this dude is bad news."

Nicknames

We are particularly compelled by the idea of Hawkeye being called "la longue carabine," or "the long rifle." Hawkeye is linked to his weapon, his method of murder. This, more than anything, demonstrates the kind of man he is. He's good with weapons. He's an experienced frontiersman.

He's obviously a man to be reckoned with if this nickname has gained so much renown. Chingachgook, Uncas, Heyward, and Magua all have nicknames as well, and each of their nicknames are obvious reflections on their characters. "Sly Fox," for example, is fitting for Magua because he's cunning and manipulative.

Race

This, more than anything, defines a person's character in the world of The Last of the Mohicans. The Native Americans are portrayed as savage. The Huron like to kill and then scalp people. Alice is of "pure" white blood, which means she is absolutely helpless.

Chingachgook and Uncas are descended from an earlier, purer stock of Native Americans so their characters are much better than those of "mixed blood" Indians like Magua. Hawkeye may take on a number of Indian traits, but there are behaviors he will never engage in—for the sole reason, according to him, that his white blood will not allow it.