The Last Frontier

A hard-edged fur trapper and reluctant hero whose instincts for survival and loyalty push him to take bold risks. He is impulsive, resourceful, and fiercely protective of his companions; his charisma often puts him at odds with formal authority. His relationship with Corrina adds a volatile emotional layer to the frontier crisis.

A veteran officer hungry for glory who clashes with his officers over strategy and command. He is capable of ruthless pragmatism, such as pressing forward despite risks, while seeking to preserve his own standing. His presence looms over the fort’s fate as winter approaches.

Wife of Marston, she navigates fear, loyalty, and the loneliness of frontier life. She resists coercion and holds her own center as the conflict tests marriages and personal loyalties. Her reactions reveal the emotional toll of leadership decisions on those left behind.

Temporary fort commander who values order and the safety of his men. He resists hasty actions and argues for holding the fort, even as the risk of a siege grows. His leadership is pragmatic, balancing caution with the willingness to confront threat when needed.

A loyal, rough-edged trapper and Jed’s ally who embodies the rough camaraderie of the frontier. He provides practical support and acts as a voice of steadiness in the heat of crisis. His fate underscores the cost of war on those who fight at the edge of civilization.

A seasoned mountain man who navigates the politics of command and the realities of winter warfare. He acts as a broker of information and a catalyst for critical decisions, ultimately choosing a path toward the mountains. His actions influence the fort’s ability to coordinate with distant orders.

A formidable Native American chief whose alliance network and tactical pressure threaten the fort. He represents the broader conflict of territory and survival on the frontier, challenging the fort’s ability to endure the war’s disruptions.

A figure among Red Cloud’s allies who embodies the broader Native American coalition against the fort’s forces. His presence signals the scale of the resistance facing the newcomers and the challenges of alliance-building on the frontier.