Jan 07 2009
The Character of Consuelo Stark in “Taggart” by Louis L’amour
Consuelo Stark is one of the flattest characters that L’amour has written. L’amour introduces her as “a Mexican wife.” Just two pages later he describes her as “a lot of woman.” She is portrayed as lacking common sense, obsessed with wealth, and disappointed with her man.
Throughout the story there is no real change in her attitudes or outlooks, even after she discovers that Adam actually stood up for her and didn’t just run away. There is no evidence that her disposition and disappointment really change.
Of course her attitudes are presented as a juxtaposition to Miriam who is presented much closer to L’amour’s ideal of a woman. The juxtaposition works out very well. Unfortunately it comes at the expense of a flat character. Overall her character makes the story better and it makes the story work.
