Character Relationship Map: Lone Star

Characters

• Devereaux Burke (played by Clark Gable) — protagonist

  Protagonist and envoy tasked by former President Jackson to facilitate Texas annexation. Rescues key figures, retrieves crucial political correspondence, and leads the defense of the Texas Congress.

• Martha Ronda (played by Ava Gardner) — protagonist

  Owner of the local Austin newspaper. Initially skeptical of Devereaux's claims but verifies them with Craden and publishes the truth about Houston's stance, successfully rallying public support for an...

• Thomas Craden (played by Broderick Crawford) — supporting

  Wealthy rancher and leader of the anti-annexation opposition. Ambushed by Comanches and rescued by Devereaux. Leads an armed attack on the Texas Congress building but ultimately concedes defeat after...

• Andrew Jackson (played by Lionel Barrymore) — supporting

  Former President of the United States who initiates the central plot by personally requesting Devereaux Burke to facilitate Texas annexation.

Canonical Relationships

Family, romantic, and professional connections based on plot evidence.

• Martha Ronda → Thomas Craden (Professional Fact Witness) — Craden becomes an important source in Martha's verification process.

  Martha confirms the facts about Houston's position with Craden before publishing the corrected story.

• Devereaux Burke → Martha Ronda (Romantic Partners) — Their relationship develops from skepticism into romantic acceptance.

  After Martha publishes the truth and annexation succeeds, the plot states that Dev wins Martha over.

• Andrew Jackson → Devereaux Burke (Professional Political Envoy) — Jackson initiates Burke's mission as a political representative.

  Andrew Jackson personally asks Devereaux Burke to facilitate the annexation of Texas into the United States.

Story Dynamics

Alliances, conflicts, and narrative interactions that evolve throughout the story.

• Devereaux Burke → Thomas Craden (Alliance Rescuer And Rescued) — Their temporary cooperation begins with Burke saving Craden's life.

  When Craden is ambushed by Comanches, Dev comes to his rescue and travels with him to Austin.

Story Analysis

Devereaux Burke fights political deception and armed resistance to secure Texas annexation while earning Martha Ronda's trust.

Plot Progression

1. Jackson's Annexation Mission — Andrew Jackson assigns Devereaux Burke the task of facilitating Texas annexation. Political opposition grows because Sam Houston's position is misunderstood.
2. A Dangerous Political Dinner — Burke rescues Thomas Craden and travels with him to Austin, where they meet Martha Ronda. Craden detains senators after they refuse to oppose annexation unanimously, forcing Burke to reveal his allegi...
3. The Smearing Letter — Burke follows information about Houston beyond the Pecos River and obtains a signed letter about Houston's true position. The letter is damaged during Burke's escape, making Martha skeptical.
4. Truth Reaches Austin — Martha confirms the facts with Craden and publishes the correct story about Houston. Austin's people then rally behind annexation, undermining Craden's political strategy.
5. The Congress Under Fire — Craden turns to armed force and attacks the Texas Congress building. Burke leads the defense until Houston arrives with the Apache, Craden is defeated, and annexation succeeds.