Major Duncan Heyward

Major Duncan Heyward, also known as Generous Hand or Open Palm, is a bright, brave, noble, wealthy, former colonist from the south, but terribly ridiculous, a major in the British army. Duncan, along with Natty Bamppo and the last of the Mohicans, fights against the French and their Mingo allies. He was ordered to accompany the daughters, Cora and Alice, to Fort William Henry of his superior, Colonel Munro. It was at this time that he fell in love with Alice Munro. Two of his main characteristics is his naivety and his love for Alice Munro. But besides this, for nobleness and for the openness of character, Chingachgook calls Dunkan Hayward Open Palm. And indeed, he is the embodiment of generosity, kindness, unselfishness, and generosity. Heyward, in general, is a positive personage but is often derided by Hawkeye because of his absurdity.

At the end of the novel, Hayward receives permission from Colonel Munroe to marry Alice. They are the only characters in the novel whose story ends with a happy ending.