The Night of the Grizzly

Jim Cole is a newly minted rancher who quit his job as a lawman to build a life on his inherited land. He is stubborn and resourceful, willing to take risks to protect his family and their livelihood. The bear Satan tests his leadership as he negotiates loans, cattle purchases, and dangerous traps in a harsh frontier landscape. He is driven by duty to his wife Angela and children Charlie and Gypsy.

Angela is supportive and steadfast, standing by Jim as their ranch faces financial and existential threats. She endures the bear attacks' consequences and the strain of frontier life. Her quiet resilience anchors the family through fear and loss.

Charlie is brave and impulsive, sometimes acting without thinking but ultimately trying to protect his family. He ventures into the woods to face Satan, showing youthful courage but also naivety. His actions drive Jim to confront danger and reinforce family ties.

Gypsy is the youngest Cole, along for the ride in a rough frontier life. She witnesses the bear’s menace and the community’s reactions, bringing a sense of innocence amid violence. Her presence highlights the family’s shared vulnerability and hope.

Meg is Jim's niece, a kid who brings a lighter presence to the danger-filled world. She navigates family loyalties and the social life of the frontier town. Her interactions with the adults help ground the stakes of the bear threat.

Sam Potts is Jim's friend who joins the cautious defense against Satan. He shares in the plan to trap the bear and supports the Cole family, even risking his life. His loyalty is tested when Dowdy arrives and conflict arises.

Jed Curry is a rival rancher who tries to reclaim the land by aggression and pressure. He manipulates town dynamics, warns Benson, and resents Jim's success with the land. His feud with Jim escalates into a personal battle over property and power.

Hazel Squires is a cattle dealer who sells livestock in a world of scarcity and suspicion. She interacts with Jim to arrange breeding stock while dealing with the bear's impact on her own animals. Her establishment acts as a hub of information that ties the town together.

Wilhelmina Peterson runs the general store and is a pivotal information node in town. She knows who buys cattle, where to find work, and how to negotiate loans. Her interactions with Jim reveal the town's economic stress.

Cass Dowdy is a bounty hunter who enters town ostensibly to claim the bear bounty and ruin Jim financially. He and Jim clash repeatedly, and Dowdy's pursuit of profit leads to danger and sabotage. Dowdy’s actions culminate in a fatal mauling during the bear’s attack.

Benson is the bank’s major stockholder and a power broker who controls loans and credit in town. He imposes financial pressure on Jim, testing his willingness to risk everything for land. His decisions shape the Cole family’s ability to survive the crisis.

Hank is Hazel Squires' sidekick who helps bring Jim to Hazel's place, a minor yet loyal town figure. He contributes to the social fabric of the frontier community and the bear crisis.

Duke Squires is Hazel’s husband and a rugged frontier figure who embodies the tough ranch ethos. He supports his family while confronting the economic strain of the bear’s depredations.

Ted Curry is one of Jed’s sons who participates in the local antagonism and adds to the tense frontier dynamic. His presence heightens the risk around the land disputes and violence.

Cal Curry is another Curry cousin whose actions contribute to the family’s conflict with Jim. He represents the restless younger generation in the town.