Catherynne M. Valente once noted, "It's strange how "question" has the word "quest" in it, as if every little question asked was a journey through the brambles. " A simple question posed by Mattie Ross in Charles Portis' True Grit, testing justice being served on her father's killer, develops into a quest as a deputy U.S. Marshal, a Texas Ranger and a daring young girl they embark on a journey they will never forget. . Throughout their adventure, Mattie Ross, Rooster Cogburn, and LaBoeuf seem to fit the theme of the quest characters perfectly. Mattie exactly portrays the hero of a quest novel with her determination and courage. Rooster Cogburn, on the other hand, depicts the Wise Old Man as he possesses important knowledge and acts as a surrogate father. LaBoeuf acts as a sidekick, because he has some necessary skills that are very helpful throughout the story. Mattie Ross, Rooster Cogburn, and LaBoeuf gain the many qualities that characterize the mission's characters. During the journey, Mattie describes how he fits the mold of a mission hero. In most quest novels, quest heroes begin their quest by realizing the need for change. In Mattie's case, the need for change lies in the fact that nothing is being done to arrest her father's killer. Mattie is disappointed that when her father was murdered, the US Marshals did nothing to imprison Tom Chaney, the man who killed her father. When she approaches the sheriff she is dismayed: “…she learns how little was done to arrest Tom Chaney” (25). Realizing this, Mattie decides to take matters into her own hands. He hires Rooster Cogburn, a U.S. Marshal, and decides to go to the Choctaw Nation to avenge his father's death. In another way... in the center of the paper... they see "that LaBeouf was sitting with his bloody head in his hands and panting from the exertions of driving the horse" (245). Although LaBeouf is injured, he continues to muster the energy to try to save Mattie. Another way LaBeouf is the helper is that he helps Mattie achieve her goal. In most quest novels, the heroes need assistance to reach their goal. Throughout the novel LaBeouf does exactly that. Sharing a similar goal with Mattie, LaBeouf helps Mattie and Rooster find Tom Chaney. Rooster also says LaBoeuf could help. Upon first meeting LaBoeuf, Gallo realizes he "might come in handy" (105). After finally joining, LaBoeuf proves to be very helpful. For example, LaBoeuf saves Mattie from the clutches of Tom Chaney. After Mattie is left alone with Chaney, LaBeouf jumps out of the bush and says, "Hands up, Chelmsford".”’(226)!