Natty Bumppo

Natty Bumppo, also known as Hawkeye, is a quintessential American frontier hero—scout, tracker, and marksman. He is in his thirties and at the peak of his physical abilities. Known for his civility and humor, he is prone to long-windedness and boasts, yet can be as silent and stoic as his Indian counterpart, Chingachgook. Despite being idealized, he is not without flaws, often emphasizing his pure "blood without a cross" and harboring prejudices against tribes other than his ally's.

Throughout The Last of the Mohicans, he is renowned as Leatherstocking, the Deerslayer, and the Pathfinder in other Leatherstocking tales. Hawkeye plays the role of guide and protector, rescuing Cora and Alice Munro from Magua and the Hurons twice, and aiding Major Heyward and Colonel Munro on their journeys. His heroic exploits culminate in shooting Magua, avenging the death of Uncas, and strengthening his friendship with Chingachgook. At the end, he and Chingachgook return to the wilderness together.

Hawkeye's actions involve ambushing hostile Huron warriors, leading the group to Fort William Henry, and aiding in the escape of the Munro sisters. However, after the massacre following the surrender of the garrison, Cora is captured by Magua. Despite Hawkeye's efforts, Cora and Uncas die in the ensuing conflict. The tragedy cements Hawkeye's bond with Chingachgook as they both mourn their losses.

Chingachgook

Chingachgook, also known as "Big Serpent" or "Le Gros Serpent," is a brave and loyal Mohican chief, indomitably allied with Hawkeye. He is a middle-aged Mohican and father of Uncas, the last of his tribe. Chingachgook is unfaltering in his enmity against the Hurons, and his appearance often evokes the image of death.

An unyielding warrior, he joins the final battle against the Hurons with unmatched ferocity, only to witness the death of his son, Uncas. This profound loss is softened by Hawkeye's companionship. Despite his long association with Hawkeye, Chingachgook remains steadfast in his native ways, reflecting the cultural divide between him and his white allies.

Uncas

Uncas, also known as "Bounding Elk," "Le Cerf Agile," "Nimble Deer," and "Nimble Stag," is Chingachgook's stalwart son and the last of the Mohicans. A young and handsome chieftain, he falls in love with Cora Munro, displaying his prowess in tracking and protecting her.

His love for Cora leads him to pursue her captor, Magua, ultimately sacrificing his life in her defense. Uncas's death marks the end of the Mohican lineage, leaving Chingachgook as the last of his tribe. Uncas is portrayed as the idealized noble Indian, contrasting with Magua's treacherous nature and Major Heyward's civilized manner.

Major Duncan Heyward

Major Duncan Heyward is a courageous, handsome, and clever young English officer tasked with escorting the Munro sisters from Fort Edward to Fort William Henry. Initially appearing as the heroic figure, he soon finds himself overshadowed by Hawkeye's frontier expertise.

Heyward's trust in Magua leads to the sisters' abduction, but his determination to rescue Alice Munro culminates in a daring disguise as Hawkeye to infiltrate the Huron camp. Eventually, he succeeds in his mission and wins Alice's hand in marriage with Colonel Munro's blessing, returning to the civilized world.

Magua

Magua, known as "Le Renard Subtil," is the cunning and malicious renegade Huron chief. His vendetta against Colonel Munro drives him to capture Munro's spirited daughter, Cora, intending to make her his wife and subordinate.

Despite being twice thwarted by Hawkeye and his companions, Magua's persistence leads him to seek Tamenund's intervention, winning Cora temporarily. However, his triumph is short-lived, as Cora is killed by another Huron, and Magua himself meets his end at the hands of Hawkeye, avenging Uncas's...