Catherynne M. Valente once noted, "It's funny how 'question' has the word 'quest' in it, as if every little question asked is a journey through the brambles. A simple question posed by Mattie Ross in Charles Portis' True Grit, testing justice for her father's killer, turns into a quest where a deputy U.S. marshal, a Texas Ranger and a daring young girl embark on a a trip they will never forget. . Throughout their adventure, Mattie Ross, Rooster Cogburn, and LaBoeuf seem to fit the quest character motif exactly. Mattie portrays exactly the hero of a quest novel with her determination and courage. Rooster Cogburn, on the other hand, represents the wise old man given that he possesses important knowledge and acts as a surrogate father. LaBoeuf acts as an assistant, as he has certain skills that are necessary and help greatly throughout the story. Mattie Ross, Rooster Cogburn, and LaBoeuf acquire many of the qualities that characterize quest characters. Throughout the journey, Mattie shows that she fits the mold of a quest hero. In most quest novels, the 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 stop 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 speaks to the sheriff, she is dismayed to learn "...how little was done to apprehend Tom Chaney" (25). Aware of this, Mattie decides to take matters into her own hands. She hires Rooster Cogburn, an American Marshall, and decides to travel to the Choctaw Nation to avenge her father's death. Another way, in the middle of the paper, they see "that LaBeouf was sitting with his bloody head in his hands and panting from the work he was doing to drive the horse" (245). Although LaBeouf is injured, he still musters the energy to try to save Mattie. LaBeouf also helps Mattie achieve her goal. In most quest novels, the heroes need help to achieve their goal. Throughout the novel, LaBeouf does just that. Sharing a similar goal with Mattie, LaBeouf helps Mattie and Rooster obtain Tom Chaney. Even Rooster states that LaBoeuf could be of some help. From his first meeting with LaBoeuf, Rooster realizes that “he might prove useful” (105). After finally calling, LaBoeuf proves to be a big help. For example, LaBoeuf saves Mattie from the clutches of Tom Chaney. After Mattie is left alone with Chaney, LaBeouf comes out of the brush and says, "Raise your hand, Chelmsford.”’(226)!