Sometimes a Great Notion

An independent, relentlessly stubborn logger who fights to keep the family business afloat. His commitment to work and pride in providing for the Stampers often clashes with his wife and the community’s demands. Hank embodies a rugged, frontier ethic that fuels both his leadership and his flaws.

Hank’s wife, weary of the ongoing territorial conflict and yearns for stability. She pushes for an end to the strife, but remains emotionally bound to the family. Her eventual departure marks the emotional toll of the Stamper saga.

The patriarch whose steady guidance anchors the family. He suffers a brutal accident, loses an arm, and ultimately dies, but not before acknowledging his son Lee. Henry embodies the traditional leadership and the sacrifices that come with running a hard-edged family business.

Henry’s youngest son, educated and torn between urban sensibilities and rural loyalties. He battles depression after his mother’s death and returns home with a plan to help, ultimately choosing to stand with the Stampers in the crisis. His presence complicates family dynamics and presses Hank to reconsider his approach.

Henry’s good-natured nephew whose humor masks his resilience. He is a key part of the Stamper clan’s dynamics, and his fate during the log-driving crisis underscores the perils of their trade. His demise on the river becomes a pivotal and tragic moment for the family.

A local rival whose presence amplifies the conflict between the Stampers and others in Wakonda. His actions and attitudes reflect the competitive, sometimes hostile climate surrounding the timber industry and community tensions.

A member of the Stamper family who observes the turmoil from within the home and social circle. Her perspective provides a quieter counterpoint to the brothers’ frictions and the town’s upheaval.

A Stamper family member who participates in the family’s labor and provides support within the tight-knit group. His role highlights the solidarity and rough camaraderie of the logging life.

A local authority figure who represents the external pressures on Wakonda’s industry and community. His presence signals the governance and oversight that intersect with the Stampers’ ambitions.

A member of the local scene who participates in the town’s social fabric and the timber life's broader network. His presence adds to the tapestry of Wakonda’s community and its intertwined relationships.