The Man to Send Rain Clouds: Contemporary Stories by American Indians

The omniscient narrator of the short story follows Leon as he navigates the burial of his grandfather, Teofilo. Silko does not provide any physical descriptions or interior monologues for the characters within the text. As a result, Leon’s character and values can only be inferred from his actions and dialogue with other characters. Leon is a firm believer of Pueblo traditions and must be convinced by his wife, Louise, to allow the priest to bless Teofilo’s grave with holy water. She convinces him to permit this Christian rite only by framing it in the context of Pueblo belief that the spirit needs food and water to move into the afterlife. Leon is a man of few words. Though he wishes to quench Teofilo’s thirst, he does not attempt to convince the priest to come with him. Leon stands with the priest in silence, not needing to argue with him to persuade the man to assist them. Leon’s silence and calm are steady. He smiles often, most notably at the beginning and end of the story after he has completed a Pueblo custom that ensures Teofilo’s comfort in the afterlife. Leon’s devotion to his heritage and way of life is a defining characteristic.