Comparing The Characters In Michael Blake's 'Dances With Wolves'

Character Development Essay What was the difference about what people thought of the Natives, then how the Natives really were? “ Dances With Wolves” was written by Michael Blake, and takes place in the 1840’s, after the Civil War In upper Texas when Natives were still rampant, and rumors still spread. The book is about a Civil War Lieutenant who develops a relationship with a band of Lakota Indians. Attracted by the simplicity of their lifestyle, he chooses to leave his former life behind to be with them. Having observed him, they give the name Dances With Wolves. Soon he is a welcomed member of the tribe and falls in love with a white woman who has been raised in the same tribe, but tragedy strikes when Union Soldiers come onto the land. The character of Lieutenant Dunbar changes from being closed- minded to open- minded by the end of the book.

He only thinks he knows all about them based off the rumours he heard. An example in the book states “Someone was bound to be drawn in by the column of smoke, and the someone would most likely be Indians. Lieutenant Dunbar sat in front of the hut until dusk, constantly scanning the horizon in every direction. No one came. He was relieved.” Lieutenant Dunbar shows that he is afraid of the Indians. He heard the rumors about the Indians, and is now terrified, like most other people were. The Lieutenant is so closed minded about the Natives in the beginning, that he is even too scared to keep a smoky fire going in the