When the novel begins, the kid is a 14-year old boy from Tennessee who has a violent streak. He was born during a meteor shower.

He runs away to Memphis, and eventually ends up in Nacogdoches, Texas, which is where he first encounters Judge Holden, a large, charismatic, and eloquent man. The kid has a bloody fight with an outlaw named Toadvine, but they eventually team up to torch a hotel.

The kid rides out of Nacogdoches and spends the night in a hermit's shelter. The next day, he sets his sights on Bexar (current day San Antonio). The kid tries to barter his labor for a drink at the local bar, and when the bartender refuses, he breaks a bottle over the bartender's head and kills him. He steals a bottle of whiskey, gathers his mule, and…

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• Blood Meridian: Or the Evening Redness in the West Summary
• About Blood Meridian: Or the Evening Redness in the West
• Character List
• Glossary of Terms
• Major Themes
• Quotes and Analysis
• Summary and Analysis of Chapters 1-5
• Summary and Analysis of Chapters 6-10
• Summary and Analysis of Chapters 11-15
• Summary and Analysis of Chapters 16-20
• Summary and Analysis of Chapter 21 - Epilogue
• The Business of Scalping
• Related Links on Blood Meridian: Or the Evening Redness in the West
• Suggested Essay Questions
• Test Yourself! - Quiz 1
• Test Yourself! - Quiz 2
• Test Yourself! - Quiz 3
• Test Yourself! - Quiz 4
• Author of ClassicNote and Sources

• Blood Meridian: Or the Evening Redness in the West: Major Themes
• Blood Meridian: Or the Evening Redness in the West: Questions
• Blood Meridian: Or the Evening Redness in the West: Purchase the Novel and Related Material
• Cormac McCarthy: Biography