The Outcasts of Poker Flat

The narrator immediately introduces the protagonist Oakhurst in the opening sentence as a “gambler,” which remains his identity throughout the story. Hardly any physical descriptions of him exist, except for his “handsome face” (Paragraph 2) with “mustaches” (Paragraph 18) and a reference to the character as a “light sleeper” (Paragraph 16). Oakhurst takes care of his physical appearance, as when he wipes the dust from his boots at the story’s opening and when he “bestirred himself in dusting his black clothes, washing his hands and face, and other acts characteristic of his studiously neat habits” (Paragraph 10).

The narrator frequently describes him as “calm,” and Oakhurst seems to thrive most when the events around him become exciting. This quality of remaining calm during chaotic times strengthens his characterization as a gambler. Oakhurst accepts his exiling sentence with “philosophic calmness” (Paragraph 5); the “excitement” of Uncle Billy stealing their mules “brought Mr. Oakhurst back to the fire with his usual calm” (Paragraph 18); and when Tom appears happy about camping with the outcasts for a week, “[t]he cheerful gaiety of the young man, and Mr. Oakhurst’s calm, infected the others” (Paragraph 20).