Pete Martell

Pete Martell

Pete Martell (played by Jack Nance) is a lumberjack who married his boss's sister Catherine. What started as a "summer's indiscretion" developed into a marriage that, from Pete's perspective, never should have happened, because "Catherine is plain hell to live with." While Pete is quiet and docile, Catherine is ruthless, stubborn, and determined. She does not make anything easy for Pete, who she considers a useless, soft old fool. It is made clear that Catherine was far richer than Pete, providing him at least financial consolation. Pete seems to harbor some genuine, nostalgic affection for his wife, which he expresses to Sheriff Truman when he thinks Catherine has died. After she reappears, she shows genuine affection for him, hinting at a deep bond between them.