Touching Spirit Bear

by

Ben Mikaelsen

Nathaniel Blackwood Character Analysis

Nathaniel Blackwood is the lawyer whom Cole’s dad hires to defend Cole after he assaults Peter. Blackwood is a stiff man who, in Cole’s opinion, must starch his underwear, judging by just how stiffly he conducts himself. He regularly wears three-piece suits, even in situations that don’t call for that degree of formality. Cole never really views Blackwood as a full person to Cole—initially, Cole hates him because he insists he can’t do much to help, given the severity of Cole’s crime. Cole eventually discovers that his dad hired Blackwood—and thus, when Cole begins to speak out about his dad’s abuse, his dad refuses to pay for Blackwood’s services.
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Nathaniel Blackwood Character Timeline in Touching Spirit Bear

The timeline below shows where the character Nathaniel Blackwood appears in Touching Spirit Bear. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Chapter 1 
Fear, Power, and Cycles of Violence Theme Icon
Justice and Responsibility Theme Icon
...let Cole go. Prosecutors attempt to get his case transferred to adult court, and even Nathaniel Blackwood , the expensive lawyer Cole’s dad hired, doesn’t know if he can help. Cole resents... (full context)
Chapter 4
Fear, Power, and Cycles of Violence Theme Icon
Justice and Responsibility Theme Icon
Judge Tanner arrives, along with Nathaniel Blackwood and Cole’s dad. They’re both dressed in suits and look out of place. Cole’s dad... (full context)
Fear, Power, and Cycles of Violence Theme Icon
Justice and Responsibility Theme Icon
...introduces himself and says that he wants to make sure Cole doesn’t cause problems again. Nathaniel Blackwood insists that Cole should be released to his parents, not put in jail. (full context)
Chapter 6
Fear, Power, and Cycles of Violence Theme Icon
Ritual Theme Icon
...Cole. Though the Keeper tries to step in, Cole shouts that his dad is lying. Nathaniel Blackwood pulls Cole’s dad down, and the Keeper confiscates the feather. She hands it to Cole,... (full context)
Chapter 15
Fear, Power, and Cycles of Violence Theme Icon
Ritual Theme Icon
...stays in Minneapolis to attend them. Edwin stops by a few times but says little. Nathaniel Blackwood visits to say that Cole’s dad won’t pay his legal fees anymore. Then, two days... (full context)