Deaf Smith & Johnny Ears

Deaf Smith is a deaf-mute frontier operative whose courage is matched by his keen lip-reading and technical nerve. He often serves as the tactical mind in combat, reading enemies’ moves and coordinating with Johnny Ears. His strong sense of duty drives him to protect Texas’ independence, even at personal risk. His bond with Johnny deepens as they navigate trust, loyalty, and the limits of communication.

Johnny Ears is Deaf’s partner, a capable marksman whose loyalty is tested by romance and risk. He balances readiness for violence with a need to protect those he cares about, and his actions are pivotal in turning Morton's schemes against him. His jealousy and love shape decisions, creating tension but also driving decisive blows against the antagonist. His improvisational skill under pressure helps the team survive.

Susie Q., a brothel worker with a memory of a river bath scene, becomes entangled in the mission through Johnny and Deaf. Her interactions reveal the era’s social complexities and the moral ambiguity of wartime alliances. Though not a combatant, she influences choices by exposing relationships and loyalties. She ultimately leaves with Johnny and Deaf, affecting the pair's path forward.

General Morton is a calculating antagonist seeking to leverage foreign weapons for Texas annexation. He commands manpower and resources, orchestrating a plot that the protagonists must disrupt. His control of a fortified fort and propaganda network positions him as the central obstacle to Texans' independence.

Hester McDonald Morton is the surviving daughter of McDonald, married to Morton, who helps reveal a German weapons promise. Her decision to unveil the truth marks a pivotal turn in the mission and demonstrates the complexity of loyalties within a war-torn society. She acts as a bridge between Morton’s circle and the protagonists.

J.M. Hoffman is the diplomat involved in the plot to supply weapons to Morton, reflecting the international dimension of the conflict. His presence highlights the geopolitical stakes behind frontier warfare. His role interacts with Morton's plans and the protagonists' efforts to expose treachery.

Moss is a member of Morton's gang, contributing to the threat against Deaf and Johnny. He embodies frontier lawlessness and the constant danger from Morton’s forces. His presence adds to the atmosphere of pursuit and siege.

Williams is another associate of Morton, helping to maintain the arsenal and logistics behind the antagonist’s schemes. He represents the administrative side of their operation, ensuring weapons reach their destination. His role emphasizes the systemic nature of the threat.

Bull is one of Morton’s goons, a figure of brute force in Morton's entourage. He participates in the fort’s defense and confrontations with Deaf and Johnny. His presence underscores the peril of the frontier's power struggles.

The Senator represents the political currents surrounding Morton's ambitions, reflecting the interconnectedness of local politics and imperial plots. His involvement signals broader maneuvering that accompanies armed conflict in the frontier.

Rosita McDonald is a member of the McDonald family and part of the network surrounding the Morton affairs. Her position hints at personal ties complicating wartime loyalties.

Mrs. Porter is the Madame hosting Susie Q.'s circle, illustrating the era's social networks that influence events off the battlefield. Her presence helps set the world where characters navigate danger and desire.