How I Became a Ghost: A Choctaw Trail of Tears Story

Isaac is the protagonist and narrator of the story. His character development traces his path from being a 10-year-old boy to being an eternal ghost. Before he becomes a ghost, he has supernatural visions of the future demise of his neighbors and receives visits from ghosts. Though he’s young and somewhat naïve, he takes responsibility for Nita as her “big brother,” and later adopts a heroic role as Naomi’s rescuer. His acts earn him the recognition of the Choctaw ghosts, which is the highest Choctaw honor.

Throughout much of the novel, Isaac fears his supernatural visions and keeps them to himself. He also must wrestle with the knowledge that he will soon die and become a ghost. Repeatedly, Isaac wonders if the hardship he’s facing is when he becomes a ghost, such as when he nearly freezes beneath a tree and leaves bloodied footprints in the snow. When he finally does face a violent death, Isaac initially maintains his fears, but he quickly realizes there isn’t anything that can hurt him anymore. This acceptance, along with the moment when he doesn’t dread his visions, reveals the end of his character arc and the final moment in his development.