Travis

Travis is Mama and Papa's son and Little Arliss's brother. He is fourteen-years-old and the main character of the story. The novel is told from Travis's point of view so the reader sees the change that occurs as Travis becomes a man. Gipson uses Travis to tell the story in an exciting and riveting way with the language of the times and the complex feelings of a boy coming of age.

Travis must take care of his home and family when Papa leaves on the cattle drive. He has many responsibilities to ensure they are provided for such as protecting the corn, chopping wood, milking cows, shooting deer meat, and marking hogs. His father has faith in him and Travis is confident that he is man enough for the job. Travis first tests his authority on Little Arliss when he catches him in the drinking water and Mama...