Kino vs. The Trackers

The Pearl

The physical survival conflict between Kino and the three trackers who pursue him through the mountains.

increasingupBearing stren­gth in each eventdowndecreasing
The Pursuit BeginsThe Pursuit Begins
The Trackers on the Road Kino Sees Them Kino spots the trackers from his hiding place. They are skilled hunters. The conflict is now a matter of life and death. The Flight Kino and Juana flee into the mountains. The trackers follow relentlessly.
The HidingThe Hiding
The Cave Kino's Plan Kino hides Juana and Coyotito in a cave. He prepares to attack the trackers. The Tension Kino knows he must kill them or be killed. The conflict is approaching its climax.
The Night AttackThe Night Attack
Kino's Assault The Killing Kino strips naked and creeps down the rock. He kills the watcher with his knife, then shoots the other two. The Cost Coyotito is killed by a stray bullet. Kino wins the physical conflict but loses his son.
The AftermathThe Aftermath
The Victory's Emptiness Kino's Grief Kino stands over the dead trackers, but he has lost everything. The conflict is resolved, but the cost is unbearable. The Return Kino and Juana return to La Paz. The conflict with the trackers is over, but the larger tragedy remains.
Morning of the third day
Later that day
Late that night
After the killing