Character Analysis
Dewey is the main law enforcement official for Cimarron County. It's his job to keep tabs on the Dust Bowl situation, as well as deal with any problems that might arise. Early in the book, he's the one who informs Daddy of the poor forecast for the wheat harvest; he also takes the responsibility for shooting Joe De La Flor's cattle when they are starving to death.
Dewey takes the low state of the region extremely seriously, but his dealing with Joe's cattle demonstrates obvious compassion for both the county's people and animals.