The Last of the Mohicans

Nathaniel (Natty) Bumppo (also known as Hawkeye, La Longue Carabine, and “the scout”) is not only the protagonist of The Last of the Mohicans, but also of several other novels by Cooper. In The Last of the Mohicans, Bumppo gives scarce information about his own background, but it is clear that he is respected by many of the Native Americans in the Hudson area and feared by others. He is also known to the French and British settlers and military, as Colonel Munro notes. Bumppo is distinguished by his marksmanship and for his experience in the Hudson area wilderness.

Beyond his reputation, however, Bumppo emerges as a connection between the diverse populations present in the novel. He is essentially a cultural interpreter between the Native American tribes and the British settlers, and he is familiar with the French as well. Thus, Bumppo is able to move in and between these diverse populations. Moreover, he uses his position in many cases to advocate for understanding and tolerance.

Alice is one of Colonel Munro’s two daughters who is traveling to Fort William Henry with Cora and Heyward before they encounter Bumppo and his group. As a character in the novel, Alice is not given a great deal of dialogue.