Jan 03 2009
The Character of Tom Healy in Louis L’amour’s Heller With A Gun
Tom Healy is among the more interesting characters in Loius L’amour’s “Heller With A Gun.” He is far from the typical cowboy. Before beginning his trek west he has never slept out of doors or use a gun. He hasn’t done much of anything that would qualify him to lead anyone across an unknown trail in the middle of a Wyoming winter.
What he does have, however, is motivation. He has a drive to succeed, even if that success means only making enough money to survive. He won’t quit. When the going gets difficult and he is stranded and alone in the wild he digs deep within himself to find a way to survive. He is selfless enough to think of the women in his charge before himself and he is brave enough to try protect them even when there is no real hope.
At one point he saves King Mabry despite whatever reservations he may have had about the man or any jelousy he has because of Mabry’s interest in Janice.
Of all the characters in the book, Tom Healy arguably makes the most changes throughout the story.
