Saul Indian HorseSaul Indian Horse is not only the main character in this novel, but he is the narrator and tells the story as an autobiography. Saul's incredible personality traits such as his determination, drive, and love for the game of hockey make this book so incredible. When Saul is put in a residential school, he is shown to be fearless, courageous and obedient for listening to the nuns orders and staying strong, even with the other tragic punishments going on around him. Saul's determination and drive to learn the game of hockey is what gives him the success and skill level to leave the residential school and pursue a seemingly better life.
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Father LeboutilierFather Leboutilier is a positive role model for Saul at the beginning of the book. He provides him with an escape form the negative atmosphere of the residential school and introduces him to the only source of hope in his life- hockey. Father Leboutilier guides Saul as he improves his skills enough to land him a spot on a team outside of the school, allowing him to leave to pursue his dreams. He is a generous and loving leader at the start. However, near the end of the story, Saul reveals something about Father Leboutilier which makes him appear as a negative influence on Saul's life. Sometimes too much positivity can be a bad thing in the long run.
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Fred & Virgil KellyFred and Virgil Kelly are very important in allowing Saul to pursue his dreams in the sport of hockey. Fred Kelly allows Saul to live with his family and provides Saul with clothes, food, home, and a family who is there for him. Virgil, Fred's son, plays for the Indian hockey team Saul makes and guides him on the team, making sure he fits in and knows what is going on. The generosity and positive relationships created between Saul and the Kelly family are what allows Saul to succeed and later become his motivation for rediscovering his life when things go wrong.
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Erv SiftAlthough Erv Sift is not a huge part of this story, he plays an important role in Saul's rehabilitation and renewal of his feelings at the end of the book. Saul describes him as his an angel and how he offered him security, friendship, and "the first home I'd had in a long time" (186). Even though Erv does not stop Saul's drinking problem, he provides him with a safe and comforting environment for Saul to think and reflect on his actions and past. Saul's reflection becomes a vital part of his recovery.
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Characters
"We were a league of nomads, mad for the game, mad for the road, mad for ice and snow, an Arctic wind on our faces and a frozen puck on the blade of our sticks.”