The Guns of Fort Petticoat

A U.S. Cavalry officer who opposes the Sand Creek Massacre and refuses to stay silent. He deserts to warn Texans and becomes the driving force behind the 'petticoat brigade,' training women to defend themselves and fight back against raiders. Torn between military duty and personal risk, he embodies moral courage and stubborn honesty.

The volatile commander who orders the Sand Creek assault and uses frontier violence to spur wider terror. He is confrontational and morally duplicitous, presenting a formidable threat to Hewitt and the Texan defenders. His downfall comes as the armed women and military authorities challenge his authority.

One of the women who joins the petticoat brigade; initially wary but quickly proves resourceful and brave in combat training and defense. She embodies the courage and camaraderie that arise when ordinary figures take on extraordinary responsibilities. Her presence helps bridge trust between Hewitt and the Texan civilians.

A fearless member of the improvised female force, Stella contributes practical skills and steady resolve under pressure. She demonstrates how communal defense can emerge from determined, ordinary people. Her arc underscores the movie's theme of empowerment through cooperation.

Another member of the petticoat brigade, Lucy shows perseverance and adaptability in harsh frontier conditions. Her participation marks a shift from domestic roles to frontline action within a makeshift military context. She reinforces the idea that courage can come from unexpected places.

A supportive figure within Hewitt's circle, Mary helps organize the women and maintain morale. Her steadiness provides practical resilience as the group faces raids and social skepticism. She stands as a quiet symbol of communal strength.

A character tied to the fort and frontier community; her specific actions are not detailed in the summary, but she represents the broader social fabric of frontier life under threat. Her presence underscores the film's focus on multiple frontier lives intersecting with Hewitt's mission.