As the author presents the characters in the starting passage of the story, the anonymous marshal appears as a glum-faced person, built heavily and roughly dressed. This appearance presented by the author obviously makes him less affable. So it is fairly simple for somebody to accept him as the convict cuffed with the marshal. Moreover, presenting the character in such a way makes O. Henry's activity simple to persuade the readers that he is the convict and to bring the dramatic twist towards the end.
However, the momentum in every scene is being created by the Marshal. His conversations are for just helping two individuals against embarrassment clears the theme of the story. O.Henry has astutely put the driving-wheel in the Marshal's character-display. This is an exceptionally extraordinary idea that he took a shot at, as human-characters are utilized in the synthesis as the exemplification of the feelings and other figurative characteristics.
Let us now talk about the marshal's character qualities and then the dialogue-delivery that creates the plot. The man was empathetic to Mr. Easton, the real criminal. He didn't waver to advise a mislead to the lady and undermines himself by posturing for a criminal. This demonstrates his empathetic nature and sensitivity to other people, even a criminal. As a marshal, individuals would ordinarily think him to be somewhat brutal and strict, however, this is not the case here, and the humanity he nurtured to his detainee makes him a unique and unprecedented character.
Additionally, the marshal demonstrates his incredible good judgment and presence of mind by rapidly misleading Miss Fairchild when the circumstance is getting muddled. Once more, when the lady demands that she too needs to live in the West, the marshal detects the humiliation of Mr. Easton. At that point, he rapidly recommends that he ought to get a smoke quickly and saves the criminal once more.
From the marshal's utilization of words, while conversing with Miss Fairchild, I consider him to be a modest man and respectful to other people, particularly to the ladies.
In a simple sense, the personality of the marshal is portrayed as a well-intentioned man, unassuming and mature, supportive and thoughtful, with his mental and physical capacity to act as per the circumstance.
The genuine marshal is a sacrificial man. He sees the awfulness on Miss Fairchild's face when she first observes the cuffs on Mr. Easton and talks up. He calls Easton ''Marshal'' to bypass her contemplations. Afterward, after he sees that she appears to be keen on Mr. Easton, he stops the discussion without uncovering reality to spare her from shame. The ''heart'' portion of the title is devoted to him. The other, ''hand'' part is about Mr. Easton. O.Henry's known for expounding on great individuals, incongruity, and imagery, and this story revolves around all these three aspects.
