Nov 08 2008
Tom Sunday in The Daybreakers by Louis L’amour
The character of Tom Sunday is the most interesting to me in The Daybreakers. He is a likeable man, but has true character flaws that not only drive his negative actions, but which he also seeks to overcome.
The man is a killer and has a past that has driven him to the west. He makes honest efforts to make a new and good life for himself and rises to a position of authority. When we find him he is ramrod for a large cattle outfit and handles himself with dignity. His character flaws appear organically and naturally as his ambitions come into conflict with those of his good friend Orrin Sackett.
Even when he finds himself beaten he does his best to avoid conflict and to maintain an air of good will. His ultimate downfall, however is as predictable as the rest of the story, and just as sad. When Tyrel Sackett pulls the trigger that ends Tom Sunday’s life, I found myself truly sad. Tom Sunday was one of the most dynamic characters L’amour ever wrote and I didn’t really want to see him go.
