The Blue Hotel characters

Appears from the start

A nervous traveler from New York who is identified only by his nationality. From the moment he enters Scully's hotel, he is convinced that the people around him mean to kill him. His fear makes him watchful and withdrawn at first, while the others treat his behavior as an inexplicable insult.

Also known as Pat Scully

Appears from the start

The energetic Irish-born proprietor of the Palace Hotel in Fort Romper, Nebraska. He draws arriving train passengers toward his bright-blue establishment and prides himself on offering personal hospitality. Troubled by the Swede's terror, he tries to reassure the stranger and takes him aside for a drink.

Appears from the start

Scully's son, who tends the hotel stove and joins the guests in a card game. He is quick-tempered and proud, especially when the Swede directs accusations at him.

Appears from the start

A traveling cattleman staying at the Palace Hotel. Loud, sociable, and eager for the card game, he first finds the Swede's fears absurd and later becomes absorbed in the quarrel between the stranger and Johnnie.

Appears from the start

A quiet guest from the eastern United States. He watches the hotel's shifting tensions more carefully than the cowboy does, but initially keeps his conclusions to himself.

First appears in chapter 8

A respected local gambler encountered by the Swede in a Fort Romper saloon. He is known in town as a controlled family man despite earning his living at cards. He initially ignores the stranger's attempts to draw him into a confrontation.