Characters: Tayo

The main character in the novel is Tayo, a Laguna Pueblo and a veteran of World War II. At the opening, he feels like white smoke, like a ghost. He is suffering from post-traumatic stress syndrome (battle fatigue) and the army doctors cannot help him.

Tayo knows that white medicine—a medicine that looks at one symptom, not the entire system—will not be effective. His sickness is a result of carrying the sins of his mother physically and mentally....

Emo, "always with a GI haircut," represents the witchery of the story world. He represents evil. He rejects the ways of the past, favoring manipulation and deception to have his way with the people.

Envious of white society, Emo wants his stories of scoring with white women and having white things to replace the traditional stories. He denigrates the traditional ways to keep those around him thinking Indians are no good. In doing so, he simulates the mythical Ck'o'yo gambler, "Look what is here for us. Look. Here's the Indians' mother earth! Old dried-up thing!" With such sayings he aims to obscure the people's relationship to the earth. Instead he encourages an easier way—a prescription of drink and violence: "What we need is what they got I'll take San Diego ... they've got everything ... They took our land, they took everything! So let's get our hands on white women!"

Tayo's effort to cure himself and remember the traditions of the people is a threat to Emo's manipulative ways. Tayo disrupts Emo's ceremony at the bar by delivering a rendition of the national anthem. He then tells a story about some Indians going off to war and returning as just plain Indians.

Emo wants them to forget this story and remember the killing they did. He rattles a bag of human teeth while bragging about his exploits in the Army. Eventually, Emo kills his followers (because Tayo did not try and kill him) by manipulation. He is banished from the Laguna Reservation but, as witchery, he still exists.

Chosen from birth to learn the traditions of medicine, Betonie is revered for his success at curing people. He stays in his Hogan—built long before the town of Gallup existed—so that he can keep an eye on the people. In particular, he looks for those of his people afflicted with alcoholism who might want to come back to the traditional ways.

Betonie mixes old and new in his medicine: "At one time, the ceremomes as they had been performed were enough for the way the world was then. But after the white people came, elements in this world began to shift; and it became necessary to create new ceremonies. I have made changes in the rituals. The people mistrust this greatly, but only this growth keeps the ceremonies strong ... That's what the witchery is counting on; that we will cling to the ceremonies the way they were, and then their power will triumph, and the people will be no more."

Tayo confides to Betonie about his dreams, the war, and his concerns about the cattle. Betonie listens, then tells him what signs to look for; he also insists that he must retrieve the cattle. After a vision ceremony, he sends Tayo on his way.

As a Christian, Auntie represents a break with the traditional ways and beliefs. In addition, she is a martyr in her own mind. As she says in the novel: "I've spent all my life defending this family ... It doesn't bother me but this hurts Grandma so much." She reminds every member of...

Josiah, Tayo's uncle, serves as both a mentor and father figure, imparting invaluable knowledge about cattle ranching in New Mexico's harsh terrain. Josiah's decision to choose resilient Mexican spotted cattle over those recommended by extension agents highlights his preference for traditional wisdom over modern scientific doctrines. Through his relationship with the enigmatic Night Swan, Josiah enriches his life and influences Tayo profoundly by embodying a blend of traditional and modern practices. His teachings extend into Tayo's dreams and memories, offering insights into human nature and resilience and encouraging Tayo to accept his identity and heritage's complexities.

Josiah's presence looms large over Tayo's journey, his lessons, and his choices serving as guiding principles. The philosophy that "only humans had to endure anything because only humans resisted what they saw outside themselves" reflects Josiah's deep understanding of humanity and its struggles.

Rocky, Tayo’s cousin and an all-American high school football star, is emblematic of ambition and the pursuit of success within white society. His aspirations stretch beyond the reservation, aiming to attend college and showcase that Native Americans can achieve greatness. Rocky's patriotism and belief in Western knowledge lead him to enlist in the war alongside Tayo. Tragically, his life is cut short in the jungle rain of the Philippines. Rocky's unwavering faith in science and modern methods, in contrast to traditional wisdom, creates a rift between him and figures like Josiah, who embrace survival and adaptation rooted in indigenous knowledge. Rocky's untimely death leaves a lasting impact on Tayo, burdening him with guilt and responsibility for his cousin's fate.

Harley is a clownish character who represents the bacchanal spirits. He prescribes alcohol for all occasions. When Rocky, Tayo, and Harley were childhood friends, they tracked an old drunk and stole his hidden alcohol for their first drink. Harley also served in the war and brags to Helen Jean about his heroism.

At the start of the novel, he arrives at the ranch to help Tayo. He also wants to revive the good days of the war when they were soldiers on leave. To this end, Harley proposes a quixotic journey—the longest donkey ride ever for a cold beer. At the bar, Harley's intentions are good—if Tayo drinks he will be happy. "Liquor was medicine for the anger that made them hurt, for the pain of the loss, medicine for tight bellies and choked-up throats."

But when the ceremony is winding down, it is Harley who finds Tayo for Emo. Tayo drinks in honor of his friend and in the process almost falls prey to witchery. He realizes Harley's betrayal and eludes them. In the end, it is Harley who suffers instead of Tayo. Manipulated to betray his friend, Harley pays with his life.

Night Swan, a Mexican dancer possessing a mysterious allure, shares a deep bond with Josiah. Her relationship with Josiah exposes Tayo to novel perspectives on identity and belonging. As a fellow half-breed, Night Swan reassures Tayo about his mixed heritage, urging him to confront societal judgments and find peace within himself. Her presence is both comforting and transformative, serving as a catalyst for Tayo's journey toward self-discovery. Night Swan’s interactions with Tayo encourage him to understand others’ criticisms as a reflection of their own insecurities, thus aiding him in embracing his multifaceted identity.

Ts'eh, a mysterious figure who embodies the earth and traditional knowledge, plays a critical role in Tayo’s quest to locate Josiah's spotted cattle. Her character serves as a personification of Corn Woman, aiding Tayo in reconnecting with forgotten traditions while introducing him to new ceremonial elements, such as gathering the purple root. Ts'eh’s guidance is indispensable in Tayo’s journey of self-discovery, helping him realign with his heritage and the natural world. Her assistance in corralling the cattle and showing Tayo the sheelk painting site illustrates the deep, symbolic connection between Tayo and the land.

Grandma lets things happen around her until she must intervene. For instance, Tayo stays in bed for some time before she comes to comfort him in his nightmare. She cries with him saying, "Those white doctors haven't helped you at all." Ignoring Auntie, she sends for the traditional medicine man, old man Ku'oosh. This is the beginning of Tayo's journey back from being white smoke. By sending for the medicine man, Grandma has started her family on its path to healing and in a small way helped to heal the whole village. At the end, Grandma asks Tayo to replenish her heating oil. This is a sign that Tayo is an adult member of the family.

Another war buddy, Leroy represents the veterans that return from the war with alcohol problems. Moreover, in his purchase of the truck he represents the "gypped" Indian. Leroy thinks he fooled the white man by signing for a truck he did not have to pay for. They joke that they have to catch him for the money.

Helen and Tayo want to laugh for other reasons. Helen says the truck is worth very little. Tayo believes that "the white people sold junk pickups to Indians so they could drive around until they asphyxiated themselves." Leroy is easy prey for Emo, and eventually helps him to find Tayo.

Robert, Auntie's quietly supportive husband, assumes control of the family business after Josiah's passing. His acceptance of Tayo's offer to help, tempered by the awareness that Tayo must first heal, demonstrates his understanding and compassion. Robert's subtle guidance and concern are evident when he warns Tayo about Emo's malicious intentions, showing a vested interest in Tayo's well-being. His actions reflect a commitment to the family's welfare, offering a stable presence amidst the tumultuous dynamics of the household.

Helen Jean symbolizes the plight of women like Tayo's mother, who venture away from their heritage in search of assimilation into white society, only to end up in dire circumstances. Her narrative is one of good intentions gone awry, underscoring the challenges faced by those who abandon their roots in pursuit of acceptance. Helen Jean’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the struggle to maintain cultural identity amidst external pressures and the perilous path of losing oneself in the process.

Ku'oosh, the traditional medicine man, plays a vital role in Tayo's healing process. Although his power has diminished in the face of modernity, Ku'oosh remains receptive to new stories and traditions, ultimately guiding Tayo to Betonie. His involvement underscores the importance of integrating old and new practices in Tayo's healing journey. Ku'oosh’s presence highlights the adaptability of traditional wisdom, ensuring Tayo’s acceptance within the kiva and reaffirming his place in the community.

Little Sister, Tayo's mother, is characterized by her rebellion against her heritage, engaging in relationships with non-Native men. Her quest for escape leads her into the slums, leaving Tayo in the care of his family. Her story amplifies themes of cultural dislocation and the adverse consequences of abandoning one's roots. Little Sister's narrative serves as a critical backdrop, contextualizing Tayo's struggles with identity and belonging within a larger framework of cultural and familial disconnection.

When the Apache boy who watches their sheep leaves for California, the family is forced to hire cousin Pinkie. During a dust storm, six sheep disappear. Suspiciously, Pinkie is wearing a new shirt and wielding a new harmonica. To his credit, he stays a week longer than he was supposed to but then heads up the line towards Gallup. He is Emo's assistant in the pursuit of Tayo and helps to dispose of Harley and Leroy. Emo accidentally shoots him in the back of the head.

Shush, Betonie's helper, embodies the integration of human and supernatural elements within the healing process. His presence in the narrative underscores Betonie's eclectic approach to medicine, highlighting the importance of blending cultural traditions and the power of mixed elements in healing. Shush's role in the story symbolizes the transformative potential of embracing diverse influences and the interconnectedness of spiritual and physical healing.

See Shush.