Natty Bumppo
The titular pathfinder is Natty Bumppo, the recurring hero throughout Cooper’s entire Leatherstocking Tales series of novels. That series traces Bumppo from young adulthood into his old age, but were written out chronological order. As the deerslayer, Bumppo is around 40 and at the peak of his game: he is the Daniel Boone of fictional American frontiersmen and already a legendary figure to those who know of him. Interestingly, despite this being so, Bumppo (also known as Hawkeye to readers) actually is less a character of action of narrative determination than in the other tales. Having achieved a certain level of wisdom, confidence, trust and transcendence with nature, his role is primarily to help when called upon and dispense advice when necessary.
Mabel Dunham
Natty is a very admirable figure and always seems to attract the attention of at least one new female character in each of his adventures and this time around it is Mabel Dunham. Natty returns the admiration and it may be seriously said that she was perhaps his one true love, but she is more vigorously and seriously pursued by two other men and much of the plot was turn on this love quadrangle.
Lt. David Muir
One of the men battling for Mabel’s love is Lt. Muir, quartermaster at the nearby fort. He is older and had already been married before—just how many times before is the subject of a comic debate between the two. Ultimately, a much more terrible secret of his will be revealed that would have made the union impossible regardless.
Jasper Western
A sailor working on the Great Lakes, which give the novel its subtitle “The Inland Seas.” Jasper also pursues the heart of Mabel. Although lacking the refined qualities of the Lieutenant, his honesty and sincerity prove to be more than a match for any deficiencies he lacks which are in abundance in his main rival. Natty will never be domesticated by marriage, so that does not include him. After marrying Mabel, he finds economic success in New York City.
Sgt. Dunham
Mabel’s father who, if he had his way, would see his daughter married off to the pathfinder. He is the commander of the nearby fort and the reason that Mabel has traveled to the frontier.
Chingachgook
The Mohican who is Natty’s constant companion and plays various roles throughout the Leatherstocking Tales. Early in the novel his primary focus is helping to Natty guide Mabel into the wilderness to reach her father. His significance later on is his tracking and killing of Arrowhead.
Arrowhead
Chief of the Tuscarora tribe who, like Chingachgook, carries with him an air of dignity and nobility. When acting as guide to connect Mabel with her father, Arrowhead retains this air, but it will be revealed as a façade. In reality, Arrowhead is as perfidious as Chingachgook is loyal. The depth of his betray seals his doom at the hands of the faithful Mohican.
