Character Relationship Map: Bad Bascomb

Characters

• Zeb Bascomb alias Ezekiel 'Zeke' Smith (played by Wallace Beery) — protagonist

  A notorious outlaw wanted by federal marshals who hides in a Mormon wagon train carrying gold. He gradually bonds with a little girl named Emmy and her grandmother, eventually renouncing his criminal...

• Emmy (played by Margaret O'Brien) — protagonist

  A rambunctious little girl who attaches herself to Bascomb and quickly develops a strong affection for him. Her bond with Bascomb plays a pivotal role in his moral transformation and decision to aband...

• Bart Yancy (played by J. Carrol Naish) — supporting

  A cold-blooded killer and Bascomb's fellow bandit who eludes marshals alongside him. He plots to steal the gold hidden in the wagon train and later initiates an Indian attack, serving as the primary a...

Story Dynamics

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

• Bart Yancy → Emmy (Conflict Threatening Presence) — Yancy's violence endangers Emmy as part of the wagon train.

  Yancy initiates an Indian attack against the wagon train, the community in which Emmy is traveling.

• Zeb Bascomb alias Ezekiel 'Zeke' Smith → Emmy (Social Affectionate Companion) — Their growing attachment becomes the emotional center of Bascomb's transformation.

  Emmy attaches herself to Bascomb, takes a great liking to him, and Bascomb gradually becomes very fond of her.

• Zeb Bascomb alias Ezekiel 'Zeke' Smith → Bart Yancy (Alliance Fellow Bandit) — They begin as outlaw partners hiding together from the law.

  The plot identifies Bart Yancy as Bascomb's fellow bandit, and the two evade the federal marshals together.

Story Analysis

An outlaw's bond with a child transforms him from a self-serving fugitive into a protector willing to surrender.

Plot Progression

1. A Fugitive Among Travelers — Bascomb and Yancy escape the law by hiding in a Mormon wagon train bound for Utah. Their discovery of hidden gold gives them a reason to remain with the travelers.
2. Gold Beneath The Wagons — The outlaws conceal their criminal intentions while performing chores for the wagon train. Emmy attaches herself to Bascomb, creating an unexpected emotional connection.
3. A Heart Against Greed — Bascomb grows fond of Emmy and begins to question his outlaw identity. His emotional change separates him from Yancy's continued pursuit of the gold.
4. Betrayal And Attack — Bascomb renounces crime and thwarts Yancy's attempt to steal the gold. In retaliation, Yancy initiates an Indian attack against the wagon train.
5. Redemption On The Frontier — Bascomb rides to an army fort for help and saves the wagon train from the attack. He ultimately surrenders, while his identity remains undisclosed to the Mormons.