The characters in the "Outcasts of Poker Flats" all behave in ways which fit their character. In different parts of the story each has a defining moment in which you can see their true nature. Mr. Oakhurst appears to the towns people as being slightly nefarious because he is a gambler, but he is actually an honest, good hearted person. The author shows this side of his personality when Mr. Oakhurst returns the forty dollars …showed first 75 words of 277 total…

…showed last 75 words of 277 total…Mr. Oakhurst not to trouble anyone with her death until they had gotten a full night's rest. The Duchess comes to terms with her humanity in the final scene when she asks Piney for prayer. Her relief at Piney's inability to pray comforts her because it affirms her lifelong disregard for religion and its strictures. The Duchess is content to spend her last moments in the arms of someone for whom she cares. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **Bibliography**