Sheriff Mapes In Ernest Gaines' novel, A Gathering of Old Men, the character of Sheriff Mapes appears to be just like any another stereotypical Southern sheriff, and he undoubtedly portrays himself this way at first. However, as the story progresses, Mapes reveals that he is actually a much more complex character. Through his actions and dialogue, and through those of the other characters, Mapes' true, more complicated identity is revealed. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Upon arriving at Marshall Plantation, Sheriff Mapes begins questioning old black men about Beau Boutan's death. When he doesn't get the answers he seeks, Mapes resorts to violence. Uncle Billy doesn't get out two full sentences before "the back of Mapes' hand crashes into [his] face" (68). Through this violent action it is assumed that Mapes has a racist attitude like many southern men of the time, and cannot control his hatred. After beating up another old man, Lou notes that "[Mapes] didn't like what he did, but he knew no other way to get what he wanted" (69). This passage reveals that Mapes may not be a hateful racist, but just an ignorant sheriff. After this observation, Mapes hits on the black church reverend and adds the perception that he must be one or both of the descriptions listed above: hateful or ignorant. It is only after all the people on the property have lined up to be shot that Mapes backs away from this approach. While his withdrawal from the situation might mean that Mapes has a modicum of respect, it mostly conveys that he knew he was surrounded by more than a dozen men armed with rifles. Once Mapes has almost consolidated the image of being a typical racist southerner, he divulges information that would lead one to think decidedly the opposite. Mapes' first hint of this is when he has a conversation with Lou, who tells Mapes, "It seems like you have something against [Mathu]" (74). After this accusation Mapes is quick to point out: “Now you're wrong. I admire the nigger. He is a better man than many I have met, black or white” (74). During this time period, it would have been very difficult for a truly racist white man to admit to another white man that he had respect for a black man, but Mapes makes this admission acceptable by calling Mathu a "nigger." What is perhaps the clearest evidence against Mapes' racism comes a few pages after the above admission. During a conversation between Mathu and Mapes, Rufe says: “Mapes liked Mathu. They had hunted together... they had fished together. And Mapes had had a few drinks with Mathu at Mathu's house. He liked Mathu... he knew that Mathu had never backed down from anyone... Maybe that was why he liked him. For him, Mathu was a real man” (84). The respect Rufe describes is evident throughout the conversation Mapes and Mathu had; not once is Mapes as condescending towards Mathu as he was towards the other men. Perhaps the best indication of Mapes' wavering racism is towards the end of the novel. The first sign of this is when Mapes shows respect to Big Charlie. Charlie has asked to be called "Mr. Biggs" and Mapes agrees to his request without opposition. This respect is most evident when Charlie has finished telling everyone what happened: “'After you, Mr. Biggs,' said Mapes... 'What did you call me, sheriff?' Charlie asked him. 'Mr. Biggs,” said Mapes, and with sincerity” (193). This moment is very important, because.