Characters

The main characters in the short story “The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber” by Ernest Hemingway are Francis Macomber, Robert Wilson, and Margaret Macomber. The narrative focuses on their interactions throughout a safari. 

There are several conflicts between them brought about by their interactions with each other. The main conflict throughout the narrative remains that between Margaret and Macomber. Margaret’s affair with Wilson pits Macomber against Wilson. After Macomber has his epiphany, and he loses his fear, he earns Wilson’s respect, but the conflict between Macomber and Margaret escalates. Although apparently accidental, Macomber’s death is caused by his wife, who is afraid that his new-found bravery will result in him leaving her. At the end of the story, there seems to be an emerging conflict between Margaret and Wilson, brought about by Macomber’s death.

You can read a full characterization of Francis Macomber, Robert Wilson, and Margaret Macomber in the following sections.