The Man Who Loved Cat Dancing

An outlaw whose grief over Cat Dancing’s murder drives his violent life. He rekindles criminal activity after prison and leads a train-robbery with his partners. As he grows closer to Catherine, he confronts a brutal secret: he once strangled Cat Dancing, mistaken in thinking she slept with the rapist. Though wounded at the end, he survives and reunites with Catherine.

A ruthless partner in Grobart’s crew who pushes violence to control others. He abducts Catherine at times and inflicts brutal punishment to assert dominance. Grobart ultimately kills him during a confrontation.

A member of Grobart’s gang who suffers a brutal beating at Dawes’ hands and later dies during marauders’ attack. His fate underscores the precarious loyalty within the outlaw group.

A woman escaping an abusive husband who forms a wary bond with Grobart. She admires his avenging his lost love and ultimately acts to defend him, shooting Crocker when he pursues them. Her choices place her between danger and love on the open frontier.

Catherine’s wealthy, arrogant husband who relentlessly pursues to reclaim his wife. His pursuit leads to a deadly confrontation, where Catherine shoots him as he charges them.

A veteran railroad detective with a posse tracking Grobart. He represents formal law and order as the frontier chase unfolds across rail lines and villages.

Grobart’s young son, who bonds with the Shoshone and longs to stay in the village. He guides Catherine to Grobart’s camp, playing a pivotal role in reconciling family ties with frontier danger.

Cat Dancing’s brother who embodies the Shoshone presence in the journey. His village offers refuge and a counterpoint to the outlaw narrative.

A railroad conductor who traverses the film’s train-bound segments, underscoring the era’s travel and commerce that frame the characters’ motions.