drawing of the headless horseman holding a pumpkin and riding a horse through the woods

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow

by Washington Irving

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The Legend of Sleepy Hollow Characters

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The main characters of “Sleepy Hollow” are Ichabod Crane, Katrina Van Tassel, Abraham Von Brunt, and the Headless Horseman,

  • Ichabod Crane is a hapless and superstitious schoolteacher and a newcomer to Sleepy Hollow.
  • Katrina Van Tassel is the beautiful daughter of a wealthy Dutch farmer; Ichabod wants to marry her.
  • Brom Bones, whose real name is Abraham Van Brunt, is Katrina’s other suitor and is known for his strength.
  • The Headless Horseman is a Hessian soldier who, according to local lore, haunts Sleepy Hollow.

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Ichabod Crane

Ichabod Crane, the protagonist of "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow," is a schoolmaster and singing instructor originally from Connecticut. Described as "crane-like," he is tall, lanky, and awkwardly built, with a small head, "spindle neck," and narrow shoulders. His exaggerated features often lead him to be compared to a scarecrow. Despite his peculiar appearance, Ichabod is more educated and sophisticated than the local residents, earning him the status of a "man of letters."

In Sleepy Hollow, Ichabod is not just a schoolteacher; he is also a prominent figure within the "female circles" of the town, appreciated for his learning and gentlemanly demeanor. He acts as a guide and companion to the younger boys and occasionally assists farmers and families, endearing himself to the community. He is known for administering justice with discrimination rather than severity, adapting his educational approach to the strengths and weaknesses of each student.

Ichabod's appetite is nearly as pronounced as his physical appearance. He has a hearty love for food, particularly Dutch delicacies, and this interest extends to his pursuit of Katrina Van Tassel, whom he admires for her beauty but covets more for her father's wealth. His ambition to marry Katrina stems not from love but from a desire for her inheritance, making him vulnerable to criticism of shallowness. His fascination with food is matched by his credulous belief in witchcraft and the supernatural, fueled by his readings of Cotton Mather and the local Dutch legends, which incite fear and superstition in him.

Ichabod's gullible nature becomes his undoing. Brom Bones, his rival for Katrina's affections, exploits this by masquerading as the legendary Headless Horseman. Terrified, Ichabod flees Sleepy Hollow and disappears without a trace. His tale becomes part of the local lore, his fate remaining uncertain but forever intertwined with the ghostly reputation of Sleepy Hollow.

Brom Bones

Abraham "Brom" Van Brunt, known as Brom Bones, is a stark contrast to Ichabod Crane. He is robust, broad-shouldered, and exudes physical strength and confidence. Respected for his horsemanship and known as the hero of the countryside, Brom is as renowned for his good-natured humor as for his mischievous pranks. He leads a group of young men, who admire his daring spirit and join him in his playful antics.

Brom is deeply enamored with Katrina Van Tassel, and unlike Ichabod, his affection seems genuine. When Ichabod starts vying for Katrina's attention, Brom resorts to a series of practical jokes to belittle his rival. Eventually, he takes advantage of Ichabod's superstitions by posing as the Headless Horseman, chasing him away from the village. Brom's laughter at the mention of the smashed pumpkin, a key detail in the tale of Ichabod's encounter with the so-called specter, suggests his involvement in Ichabod's disappearance. After Ichabod's exit, Brom marries Katrina, securing his position within the community.

Katrina Van Tassel

Katrina Van Tassel, the eighteen-year-old daughter of Baltus Van Tassel, is the object of Ichabod's and Brom's affections. She is described as "plump as a partridge," beautiful, and always dressed to accentuate her allure. Her charm and the promise of her father's wealth make her a sought-after match. Katrina is known for her flirtatious nature, captivating both suitors with ease. Although she entertains both Ichabod and Brom, she ultimately chooses Brom, preferring his strength and authenticity over Ichabod's ambitions.

Katrina's actions, or lack thereof, influence the dynamics between her suitors. She neither encourages nor dismisses their attentions, yet when Ichabod seeks a definitive commitment, she rejects him, leading to his fateful departure. Her marriage to Brom solidifies her role as a pivotal character in the story, one whose decisions shape the future of those around her.

The Headless Horseman

The Headless Horseman is a legendary figure central to the eerie atmosphere of Sleepy Hollow. Known as the ghost of a Hessian trooper decapitated by a cannonball during the Revolutionary War, this spectral rider is said to haunt the old church where he is purportedly buried, in perpetual search of his missing head. The gloomy road and bridge near the church, shrouded in night and shadowed by trees, are favored haunts of the spectral horseman, adding to his ominous myth.

In the narrative, Brom Bones masquerades as this fearsome apparition to frighten Ichabod Crane, exploiting the schoolmaster's credulity and fear of the supernatural. This encounter accelerates Ichabod's departure from Sleepy Hollow, cementing the Headless Horseman's place in local legend as both a supernatural specter and a symbol of Brom's cunning.

Baltus Van Tassel

Baltus Van Tassel, father to Katrina, is a prosperous Dutch farmer and a veteran of the American Revolution. He is content with his wealth, which is reflected in his well-maintained home and abundant farmland. Known for his generosity and good nature, Baltus is a beloved figure in Sleepy Hollow. His indulgence in his daughter's affairs suggests a hands-off approach, allowing Katrina to entertain multiple suitors without interference.

Baltus's wealth and status make him a central figure in the story, as his prosperity is a key motivator for Ichabod's courtship of Katrina. Despite Katrina's ultimate decision to marry Brom, Baltus remains a figure of stability and tradition within the community.

Diedrich Knickerbocker

Diedrich Knickerbocker is the fictitious narrator of "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow." An old gentleman with extensive knowledge of the history of Dutch New York, he recounts Ichabod's tale with a blend of humor and intrigue, enhancing the story's legendary status. Knickerbocker's narrative style, rich with local color and superstition, imbues the tale with an air of authenticity and mystery.

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