Dec 22 2008
The Character of Tell Sackett in “The Sackett Brand” by Louis L’amour
William Tell Sackett is, like all of the Sacketts tough as nails and ready for anything. “The Sackett Brand” casts Tell in a different light than we find him in the movie “The Sacketts.”
The book starts off with Tell being shot, and then describes his efforts to survive and avenge not only his shooting, but the murder of his wife. Tell is different from his brother Tyrel in that he is not so fast with a gun, and much slower to violence. Also he does not have the charisma or charm of Orrin.
Tell’s most distinguishing trait is his uncanny mountaineering ability. Though all of the Sacketts are able trackers, Tell persists for weeks among men who are actively hunting him and manages to not only evade them but continues to turn the tables against them.
Tell is also definitely the least conversational of the Sacketts, but in many ways is the most loveable. His awkwardness has a charm all its own, and his selflessness and thoughtfulness for others stands in stark contrast to the many other cowboys who sought only wealth or improvement for themselves.
