Toshaway is a Comanche war chief and the leader of the band who captures Young Eli. This is a perilous time for Toshaway, as a dwindling buffalo population and the encroachment of white settlers threatens his people. He must contend with a younger brave challenging his authority, as well as his tribe's impending demise. He sees Eli's potential to be a great warrior; and helps him become fully assimilated as a Comanche. Through this process, Toshaway comes to view Eli as a son.