Tribute to a Bad Man

Wealthy Wyoming rancher who believes in personal vengeance and a brutal code of justice. His pride and controlling nature drive him to mete out hangings and punish perceived enemies. As the story unfolds, his willingness to confront his violence grows, revealing a capacity for restitution.

A former dance-hall girl whose past haunts her, and Rodack’s companion. She challenges his brutal code and tries to steer him toward mercy, even as jealousy and suspicion strain their relationship. Her loyalty to Rodack becomes a moral compass for the story.

A young cowboy who saves Rodack’s life and falls for Jo. He is morally conflicted by the vigilante path and pleads for a less violent course. He ultimately chooses love and a safer future over continuing the cycle of revenge.

Rodack’s wrangler who provokes trouble by flirting with Jo, is fired and beaten, and later aligns with Barjak to steal horses. He embodies opportunistic violence and exemplifies the darker side of frontier justice.

A thief allied with McNulty, a key participant in the rustling plot who is ultimately subdued when Rodack pulls them toward jail. He represents the criminal threat on the frontier.

Son of L.A. Peterson who vows to avenge his father. He joins McNulty and Barjak in the rustling plan, then experiences the moral consequences of revenge as alliances shift.

Former partner of Rodack who denies involvement in the rustling. He is the patriarchal figure in the Peterson family, trying to protect his reputation while navigating the fallout of the feud.

L.A. Peterson’s wife and Lars’s mother, a stabilizing presence in the family. She embodies the tension between family loyalty and the frontier code of honor.

A ruthless frontier enforcer and co-conspirator in the rustling plot, aligned with Barjak and McNulty. His role heightens the danger of the rustlers on the plains.

Minor supportive character involved in the ranch scenes; adds texture to the frontier community setting.