Indian Horse Character Analysis

Saul Indian Horse

Saul Indian Horse is the protagonist and narrator of the novel. In many ways, his life is modeled on that of Richard Wagamese, the author. Saul is a member of the Fish Clan, an Indigenous… read analysis of Saul Indian Horse

Naomi

The grandmother of Saul Indian Horse, Naomi is, in many ways, the key maternal figure in Saul’s life. A strong and sensitive woman, Naomi takes care of Saul by telling him stories, keeping him… read analysis of Naomi

Father Gaston Leboutilier

A teacher and priest at St. Jerome’s, Father Gaston Leboutilier initially seems to be the only ally Saul Indian Horse has at the school. Leboutilier teaches Saul how to play hockey, and gives him… read analysis of Father Gaston Leboutilier

Virgil

The youngest son of Fred Kelly and Martha Kelly, Virgil is Saul Indian Horse’s closest friend in the novel. A confident, friendly, matter-of-fact teenager when Saul meets him, he encourages the much younger… read analysis of Virgil

Fred Kelly

Fred Kelly is one of the gentlest and most likeable characters in the novel. He adopts Saul Indian Horse, freeing Saul from St. Jerome’s, and encourages him to play hockey for his local team… read analysis of Fred Kelly

Sister Ignacia

A nun and teacher at St. Jerome’s school, described by Saul Indian Horse as being a cruel, narrow-minded woman. Ignacia is perhaps the most vocal proponent of the cultural genocide that Saul and other Indigenous… read analysis of Sister Ignacia

Slanting Sky

Saul Indian Horse’s great-grandfather, and an important figure in the Fish Clan. Slanting Sky appears before Saul at several points in the novel, always as part of a dream or vision. He is portrayed… read analysis of Slanting Sky

Minor Characters

Father Quinney

A priest and teacher at St. Jerome’s school, described by Saul Indian Horse as a foolish, hard-headed man. It is Father Quinney, however, who finally agrees to allow Saul Indian Horse to leave St. Jerome’s, effectively freeing him from a life of sexual abuse.

Ervin Sift

A kindly farmer who befriends Saul Indian Horse and offers him work and lodgings. Ervin takes a strong liking to Saul and eventually becomes a kind of father figure, whom Saul leaves suddenly one night in a drunken stupor.

Moses

A counselor who works closely with Saul Indian Horse at the New Dawn Center for alcoholics. Moses encourages Saul to begin writing down his story, which is how Saul begins writing the book in the first place.

John Indian Horse

Father of Saul Indian Horse.

Mary Mandamin

Mother of Saul Indian Horse.

Rachel Indian Horse

Saul Indian Horse’s little sister, who is separated from her family when she is kidnapped by white men and taken to a Christian school for Indigenous children.

Benjamin Indian Horse

Saul Indian Horse’s brother, who is separated from his family when he is kidnapped by white men and taken to a Christian school for Indigenous children.

Minoose

Nephew of Naomi.

Lonnie / Aaron Rabbit

A young student at St. Jerome’s.

Arden Little Light

A young student at St. Jerome’s who later kills himself.

Sheila Jack

A young student at St. Jerome’s who has a nervous breakdown.

Shane Big Canoe

A young student at St. Jerome’s who is deeply traumatized by the abuse he endures.

Angelique Lynx Leg

A young student at St. Jerome’s who, it seems, is sexually abused by the teachers.

Levi Dieter

Coach of the White River Falcons hockey team.

Martha Kelly

The wife of Fred Kelly.

Garrett

One of the sons of Fred Kelly and Martha Kelly.

Howard

One of the sons of Fred Kelly and Martha Kelly.

Jack Lanahan

Hockey talent scout who offers Saul Indian Horse an attractive offer to play in the NHL.

Elissa Sheehan

Wife of Patrick Sheehan, and host of Saul Indian Horse during his brief spell in Toronto.

Patrick Sheehan

Husband of Elissa Sheehan, and host of Saul Indian Horse during his brief spell in Toronto.

Rebecca Wolf

A young student at St. Jerome’s who later kills herself.

Katherine Wolf

Younger sister of Rebecca Wolf, who dies mysteriously.

Jorgenson

Coworker of Saul Indian Horse, who picks a fight with Saul.

Jim Gibney

Man who speaks with Saul Indian Horse when Saul returns to the ruins of St. Jerome’s.

Indian Horse Characters