The Characters of “The Marrow Thieves”

Frenchie- Main Character:

The Marrow Thieves is told from Frenchie’s perspective. Frenchie, also known as Francis, is a 16-year-old Métis boy – on his own since his brother, Mitch, was taken by Recruiters. After days of travelling alone, Frenchie stumbles upon another group of Indigenous people who take him in. Frenchie quickly becomes a member of their group, showing his strength and willingness to fight for his newfound family. After a devastating encounter affects the entire family, Frenchie begins to question his identity and place in the world. This directly influences Frenchie’s character development. By the end of the novel, Frenchie comes to terms with his shortcomings and ultimately finds pride in his family and in his identity as an Indigenous man.

Miigwans (Miig): The leader of the family. Miig went on the run after he and his husband, Isaac, were betrayed and captured by Recruiters. As leader and Elder, Miig is in charge of telling the younger members Story. He understands how important it is for every Indigenous child to know their past, in order to fight for their future. Miig’s role as leader is passed on to Frenchie after the group meets the Council.

Rose: A 16-year-old girl and the groups newest member. Rose is Frenchie’s love interest. Her arrival is important in his character growth – specifically his need to protect and defend his family.

RiRi: A seven-year-old Métis girl. A devastating encounter with two Indigenous double agents and RiRi has a profound effect on Frenchie and the rest of the group. It is influential to Frenchie’s growth as a character and is a turning point for the rest of the book.

Minerva: The group’s Elder. Frenchie and the group realize they have underestimated and undervalued Minerva when she sacrifices herself for the family. Her capture gives the group reason to fight as they detour to rescue Minerva.

Chi-Boy: A 17-year-old Cree member of the group. He is a fierce scout and leader of the family alongside Miig.

Wab: An 18-year-old member of the group. Wab is a rape survivor which has made her suspicious of all strangers. This is significant for both plot and Frenchie’s character development.

Slopper: A nine-year-old member of the group.

Tree and Zheegwon: 12-year-old twin brothers and members of the group.