Who Alice Munro is
Alice Munro is the younger of two sisters travelling through a country caught in war between Britain and France. She is fair and gentle, while her elder sister Cora is steady and quick to think. Their contrasting responses to danger give the journey a personal focus beyond the fighting.
What Alice Munro wants
Alice wants to reach her father and find safety at Fort William Henry, where he commands the British garrison. The journey brings ambushes and captivity instead of the security she hopes to find. Although she is easily frightened, she holds on to hope where others might give up.
Alice Munro and the others in the story
Cora repeatedly puts Alice's safety before her own, showing the strength of their family loyalty. Their escort, Duncan Heyward, quietly admires Alice and hopes to protect her while doing his duty. Her father loves both daughters, and their arrival at the fort brings him joy mixed with fear.
Questions
Who is Alice Munro?
Alice Munro is Colonel Munro's younger daughter and Cora's sister, travelling to join their father during the war.
How is Alice different from Cora?
Alice is gentle and easily frightened, whereas Cora meets danger with steadiness and clear thinking.
Does Duncan Heyward care for Alice?
Yes, Heyward admires Alice, and his attachment grows as the travellers face greater danger.