When the Angels Left the Old Country

Little Ash is one of the primary characters of When the Angels Left the Old Country. He is the demonic companion of the angel Uriel, and the narration is often related from his perspective. Little Ash is the natural leader throughout their endeavors, often making plans and directing Uriel. Unlike the angel, he possesses free will from the beginning of the novel, and his self-serving often leads the pair into trouble. His demonic nature dictates that he act in selfish ways, and this pattern becomes apparent in his fervent desire to see America, for he calls upon the angel’s desire to help Essie to manipulate Uriel into accompanying him to America, thereby serving his own interests. This selfish drive gives him a single-minded focus to achieve his goal, leading him to manipulate the angel into believing they are going for a good purpose. While the angel believes that their journey is meant to save Essie, Little Ash secretly believes that helping the girl is no more than a means to an end; he merely wants to travel and see the world.

Even though his selfish intent leads them into trouble, the angel’s influence on Little Ash transforms him over the course of the novel.