Dances with Wolves - Characters & Cast

His initial motivation is to see the American frontier before it disappears. This evolves into a desire for connection and understanding after encountering the Lakota. Ultimately, his motivation becomes the protection of his new family and their way of life from the very world he once represented.

Dunbar begins as a disillusioned Civil War hero, weary of the "white" world and suicidal. Seeking the frontier as an escape, his journey is one of profound internal discovery. Initially isolated and lonely, his curiosity and inherent decency lead him to bridge the cultural gap with the Lakota. He transforms from a soldier of the U.S. Army into a dedicated member of the Sioux tribe, finding love, family, and a true sense of self. His arc is a complete rejection of his former life in favor of a more harmonious existence.

Kicking Bird is motivated by a desire to understand the future and protect his people. He believes that learning about Dunbar—and by extension, the coming wave of white settlers—is crucial for the tribe's survival. He is also driven by a deep sense of compassion and wisdom.

Kicking Bird is the tribe's wise and gentle holy man who advocates for communication with Dunbar. He acts as Dunbar's primary guide into the Lakota world. His arc involves moving from cautious curiosity to deep, fatherly affection for Dunbar. He sees the value in understanding the white man but is also keenly aware of the threat they pose. He represents the wisdom and foresight of his people, ultimately bestowing upon Dunbar his blessing and acceptance.

Her primary motivation is her loyalty to her adoptive family, the Sioux. She is driven by a duty to help her people communicate with Dunbar. As her relationship with him develops, her motivation shifts to building a new life and family with him, while still honoring her Lakota identity.

A white woman adopted by Kicking Bird after her family was killed by the Pawnee, Stands With A Fist lives between two worlds. Initially, she is in mourning for her Sioux husband and hesitant to reconnect with her white past. Her arc is one of healing and reawakening. By serving as the translator between Dunbar and the Sioux, she rediscovers her English language and falls in love with Dunbar, bridging the two cultures within herself and forging a new future.

His motivation is the protection and honor of his tribe. He is fiercely protective and distrustful of outsiders, seeing them as a potential threat. His actions are always guided by what he believes is best for the safety and strength of his people.

Wind In His Hair is a fiery and proud warrior who is initially the most hostile and suspicious of Dunbar. His character arc is a powerful representation of earned respect. Through Dunbar's actions—informing them of the buffalo and fighting alongside them against the Pawnee—Wind In His Hair's skepticism transforms into a fierce and unwavering friendship. His final, booming declaration of friendship from the cliff top is one of the film's most emotional moments.