Wesley Hayden, a character who serves as a sheriff in the 1948 novel Montana, is a strong and moral character, who provides many roles throughout the text. Held back by physical weakness, his mental strength and morals uphold the law. Although he consistently works to benefit the community, even his son, David, initially sees him as less than a typical sheriff, as he does not display the conventional masculinity often associated with the role. Wesley, at the beginning of the book, very early on his lameness is brought to attention. The limp suggests that he is weakened, that he lacks strength in the face of criminals. Perhaps allowing his brother to escape guilt for as long as he did. It represents his status as a "fallen hero", but also shows his determination to promote justice, peace and equality in the community, despite his weakness. By pitying this emphasis on Wesley's weakness and physical barriers, Larry Watson highlights the character's strengths, mentally and morally. Readers quickly understand that Wesley's unconventional use of the role was a positive aspect of his character, showing Wesley's role as a moral figure; Demonstrates that he solves crimes and problems through negotiation, as an alternative to threats or violence. His son, however, does not realize this, and this is clearly demonstrated by Wesley's gun. A “little .32 automatic, Italian-made and no bigger than the palm of your hand,” the gun pales in comparison to the one young David believed his father, as sheriff, should use, a “lotto . 45 nickel-plated western.” Used only in emergencies, the small gun was also only used as a symbol of Wesley's role as sheriff, as Wesley never needed, nor chose, to use it. When his brother, Frank Hayden, turns out to be a serial character... middle of paper... he reads. The law is based on equality, and although it is often misguided in a city of racism, it continues the case against Frank, as he must keep his word of that law; not only was he choosing to prosecute on behalf of a character who, in the novel, was seen by many as racially inferior, but he was also prosecuting his own brother, a man famous for his heroism. In conclusion, Wesley Hayden is a strong character, who constantly defends his morals in the face of racial and sexual inequality. Despite his superficial weakness, that of his limp, he was a stronger sheriff than his son saw him. He was morally sound and was a respectful character. Wesley is also shown to be a compassionate and caring man, a courageous protector. Although he lacked the masculinity displayed by the other male characters in the novel, this was not shown to have a negative impact on his integrity..