Characters
Setting & Events
Conflict & Challenges
Cultures and Beliefs
Themes
100

She is the narrator of the story and the daughter of Chief Joseph.

Sound of Running Feet

100

The Nez Perce live in this area before they are forced to leave.

Wallowa Valley

100

The main conflict in the story is between these two groups.

Nez Perce & the white settlers

100

The tribe shows bravery by doing this during their journey

Not giving up-determined 

100

One major theme of the book is this.

Bravery & Determination 

200

He is the leader of the Nez Perce and wants peace with the white soldiers.

Chief Joseph

200

The white soldiers want the Nez Perce to move here.

Lapwai 

200

Sound of Running Feet is upset because the soldiers broke this promise.

The promise that the Nez Perce people can keep their land. 

200

The Nez Perce believe dreams and visions are signs of this.

guidance or messages from the spirit world

200

Chief Joseph teaches that real strength comes from this.

Peace and Compassion 

300

This man is Sound of Running Feet’s uncle and a brave warrior who wants to fight.

Looking Glass

300

The Nez Perce cross this large river during their journey.

Snake River

300

The Nez Perce must leave suddenly because of this event.

Attacked by white soldiers 

300

Sound of Running Feet honors her people by doing this

telling their story and remembering their struggle- staying humble

400

She is Sound of Running Feet’s mother, who worries about her family’s safety and wants peace for her people.

Springtime

400

The tribe flees north, hoping to reach this country for safety.

Canada

400

The Nez Perce’s biggest challenge during their journey is this.

finding food and shelter while escaping soldiers

400

The Nez Perce show respect for their ancestors through this tradition.

Storytelling-Oral Traditions

500

These two characters share a deep bond of love and respect—one leads with wisdom and peace, while the other learns from his example to carry on their people’s story and spirit.

Chief Joseph and Sound of Running Feet 

500

This freezing, treacherous location near the end of the Nez Perce’s journey tested their strength and hope as they struggled to survive just miles from freedom.

Bear Paw Mountain

500

Chief Joseph’s heart is heavy because of this reason.

Losing people and knowing they can’t win the war

500

The Nez Perce believe they must live in harmony with this.

Nature