Riders of the Purple Sage

Jane Withersteen is one of the protagonists of the novel. Jane is a young Mormon woman who inherited her father’s property and wealth. Jane is expected to marry a Mormon leader, Elder Tull, but has refused. Jane’s compassion for and her intention to marry a non-Mormon set up the conflicts within the novel.

Jane is a pious woman who tries to live her life the way her religion dictates she should. However, there are parts of her religion that Jane shows a lack of belief in, such as the polygamy that is practiced by members of her community. Yet Jane’s religious beliefs rule much of her behavior.

Jane faces great conflict when her cattle are stolen from her property and her employees begin disappearing from her property and her home. She initially refuses to believe that Mormon leaders are behind these thefts, but each new event forces her to face the truth about what is happening on her property. Jane’s relationship with Lassiter begins to open her eyes to the truth. Although Jane never lets go of her belief in her religion, she begins to accept that not all pious people act in moral ways.

As the novel approaches its climax, Jane reveals the truth about her father’s actions in the past, and her shame in admitting it.