Major Characters Flashcards
Who is Jon Krakauer?
Author and narrator of Into Thin Air, experienced mountaineer and journalist
What is Krakauer’s opinion on organized group expeditions?
He dislikes them, finding them tedious and opposed to individualistic nature of mountaineering
What significant event happens on May 10 in Into Thin Air?
Krakauer climbs to the summit of Mount Everest and survives a snowstorm
What feelings does Krakauer grapple with after the expedition?
Survivor’s guilt and contradictory feelings about the expedition
Who is Rob Hall?
New Zealand-based mountaineer and leader of the expedition that takes Krakauer to Everest
What was Rob Hall known for?
Becoming the first person to climb the highest mountain on each continent and running a successful mountaineering tourist company
What happens to Rob Hall on May 10, 1996?
He is killed by a snowstorm during the expedition
Who is Anatoli Boukreev?
Russian climbing guide working for Scott Fischer, criticized for his distant relationship with clients
What controversy surrounds Boukreev’s actions?
Criticism for neglecting clients, but credited for bravery during the storm
Who is Andy Harris?
Young guide for Rob Hall, becomes a good friend to Krakauer
What tragic fate befalls Andy Harris?
He runs low on oxygen, goes in the wrong direction, and freezes to death
Who is Scott Fischer?
Talented mountaineer and charismatic leader of an expedition who dies on May 10
What leads to Scott Fischer’s demise?
Severe fatigue and inability to return to his tent during the storm
Who is Beck Weathers?
Pathologist and inexperienced climber on Hall’s expedition who nearly dies but survives
What happens to Beck Weathers during the expedition?
He is left out in the cold and later has to have five fingers amputated
Who is Doug Hansen?
Postal publisher and climber on Hall’s expedition who dies in the snowstorm
What was Doug Hansen’s motivation for climbing Everest?
He received financial help from a local school to fund his climb
Who is Stuart Hutchinson?
Cardiologist on Hall’s expedition who becomes the de facto leader after May 10
What is Yasuko Namba’s fate during the expedition?
She becomes too exhausted to return and freezes to death in the snowstorm
Who is Makalu Gau?
Leader of the Taiwanese team, enthusiastic but inexperienced mountaineer
What manipulation does Deshun Deysel experience?
She is misled into thinking she would ascend Everest, but never receives a climbing permit
Who is Sandy Hill Pittman?
Celebrity client on Scott Fischer’s expedition, spoiled but liked by teammates
What happens to Sandy Hill Pittman during the storm?
She gets caught in a snowstorm but is rescued by Anatoli Boukreev
What notable achievement did Rob Hall accomplish?
He became one of the first people to climb the highest mountain in each of the seven continents