In the novel, “Cold Sassy Tree” by Olive Ann Burns, each character plays a large supporting role  in setting up the moral of the story, with the main characters Mr. Blakeslee, Miss Love, and the narrator Will. Starting off with the Will’s grandfather, Mr. Blakeslee, he is such a vital character for he seems to be the stereotypical rebel as far as complying with the town’s religious standards. This is an action that should be commended for far too many times do people become just another face in the crowd and refuse to step away from the status quo. Mr. Blakeslee is the exact opposite of everyone in Cold Sassy and has no problem showing it and living his own life, however one allegation that could be raised about Mr. Blakeslee is that he is very sly and manipulative. His manipulation is made most evident when Miss Love speaks to Will about how Mr. Blakeslee was so quick to woo her and ask for marriage, that she really had no way to refuse. Contrary to Mr. Blakeslee, Miss Love is in fact much more renounced than Mr. Blakeslee, and takes people’s cruel words to heart. Miss Love greatly struggled in the early parts of her marriage with Mr. Blakeslee due to the town’s discontent and hatred, however she pushed through and kept the marriage alive. Obviously, for a women this was a very hard thing to bear but it should be greatly commended for despite everything that was said, she bit the bullet and refused to take the easy way out. The final main character is the narrator Will, and he is vital for he provides an adolescent take on adult matters occurring within the town. Personally, I believe Will was perhaps the most favorable character for he was so open minded, so willing to accept everyone, and was always willing to serve others. He was never judgemental, and due to his young age, had not yet developed the narrow-minded mindset of all the adults around him, making him stand out from the rest. Each character was placed in the same boat, forced to handle tough situations, and deal with the criticism of their peers, but it was the way each delt with the hardships that defined them, and created their commended character.