Nov 25 2008
The Character of Morty Callaghen in Louis L’amour’s Callaghen
Morty Callaghen comes off almost too sure of himself to be believable. He speaks several languages, has a ton of experience, and generally seems to have all of the answers. At the same time, however, his self doubt towards Malinda seems entirely out of place. An experienced soldier and world traveler seems at a total loss with a woman of relatively little position and standing.
It may have been an attempt to humanize an otherwise superhuman person, but this apparent dichotamy in Callaghen’s psyche makes the story feel rather forced and distracting. L’amour spends so much time attempting to explain Callaghen’s feelings that the action at times becomes slowed.
Of course Callaghen is a stock character as most of L’amour’s heroes are, but in general his protagonists are much more compelling.
