True Grit characters

Appears from the start

A determined fourteen-year-old from Yell County, Arkansas, who takes charge after her father is murdered. Precise about money, confident in her judgment, and unwilling to be dismissed because of her age, she travels to Fort Smith to settle his business and find a lawman willing to pursue the killer into Indian Territory.

Appears from the start

Mattie's father, a kindly Arkansas landowner who goes to Fort Smith to buy ponies. His murder by his hired hand Tom Chaney sets Mattie on her pursuit of justice.

Also known as Theron Chelmsford

Appears from the start

A hired hand who kills Frank Ross after a quarrel, steals from him, and escapes into Indian Territory. Mattie is intent on seeing him arrested and punished for her father's murder.

Appears from the start

A farm worker trusted to accompany Mattie to Fort Smith and help bring her father's body home. He is dependable but has no authority over Mattie once she decides to remain and handle the unfinished business herself.

Also known as Rooster

First appears in chapter 2

A one-eyed deputy United States marshal with a fearsome record and a rough, disorderly manner. Mattie watches him testify about a deadly arrest and concludes that he has the courage needed to hunt Chaney beyond the reach of local law, even if his methods and reliability are open to question.

First appears in chapter 3

A Fort Smith livestock trader from whom Frank Ross bought a string of ponies shortly before his death. He resists Mattie's demand to unwind the deal, but she proves to be a formidable negotiator and threatens legal action through her family lawyer.

First appears in chapter 3

The small, spirited pony Mattie chooses for the journey and names for his dark coloring. Sure-footed and responsive, he becomes her steadfast mount in Indian Territory.

First appears in chapter 4

A proud Texas Ranger who has tracked Chaney from Texas, where the fugitive is wanted for another murder. He carries a rifle and wears conspicuous frontier clothes. His aim conflicts with Mattie's because he wants to take Chaney back to Texas rather than answer for Frank Ross's death in Arkansas.

First appears in chapter 5

An outlaw leader operating in Indian Territory whose band has taken in Tom Chaney. Rooster knows him from earlier encounters and expects him to be dangerous, watchful, and difficult to surprise.

First appears in chapter 5

A wounded young outlaw found with Emmett Quincy at a remote dugout. Under pressure from Rooster, he appears ready to disclose when Ned Pepper's gang is expected to return.

First appears in chapter 5

An older member of Ned Pepper's circle who shares a remote hideout with Moon. Hostile to Rooster's questions and determined to prevent Moon from talking, he turns the encounter violent.