A Smiling Idol

A large, imposing statue carved from dark, possibly volcanic, stone. Its form is likely anthropomorphic or zoomorphic, consistent with ancient, non-Western deities, perhaps with multiple arms or animalistic features. It is described as 'smiling pleasantly' at its own wit, suggesting a fixed, perhaps slightly sinister, expression carved into its face.

Attire: None, as it is a statue. It would likely be adorned with offerings or ritualistic paint by its worshippers, but the story doesn't specify.

Wants: To maintain its worship and influence, to assert its ancient power and wisdom over new beliefs.

Flaw: Its pride in its own wit, which, when expressed, causes a blight.

Remains unchanged, asserting its dominance and proving its power over the invading religion.

Its fixed, pleasant, yet subtly sinister smile carved into dark stone.

Witty, sarcastic, ancient, powerful, malevolent, self-satisfied, observant.

A large, ancient idol carved from dark, volcanic rock, standing on a simple stone pedestal. The idol has a humanoid form with multiple arms, its face is broad and flat with large, almond-shaped eyes and a wide, fixed, pleasant smile. Its body is adorned with simple, geometric carvings. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.

Likely a man of European descent, perhaps lean from his travels and dedication to his mission. His appearance would reflect the typical attire and grooming of a Christian missionary from the late 19th or early 20th century, given Bierce's era.

Attire: Practical, conservative European clothing suitable for a missionary in a foreign land. Perhaps a simple, dark, long-sleeved shirt, trousers, and sturdy boots. The story mentions him 'fingering a number of ten-cent pieces', suggesting pockets or a small pouch.

Wants: To convert the Idol's worshippers to his own religion, to 'go up against' the Idol with his faith.

Flaw: Underestimates the power and cunning of the Idol; his literal interpretation of scripture and his reliance on external support (money from Sunday-school).

Begins as a confident evangelist, but his mission ends in his demise, becoming a sacrifice to the very power he sought to dismantle.

His earnest, slightly exasperated expression, perhaps with a small pouch of ten-cent pieces.

Devout, determined, somewhat arrogant, literal-minded, financially dependent on his home church, ultimately naive about the true power he faces.

A European male missionary standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. He has a neatly trimmed dark beard and mustache, fair skin, and earnest blue eyes. He wears a simple, dark linen shirt with rolled-up sleeves, sturdy dark trousers, and worn leather boots. He holds a small, worn leather pouch in his right hand, his expression is one of determined conviction. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.

Indigenous people of the regions of Ghargaroo, M’gwana, and Scowow. Their appearance would be consistent with non-Western, possibly tribal, communities, perhaps with darker skin tones and traditional adornments.

Attire: Traditional attire of their regions, likely simple fabrics, possibly adorned with natural elements like feathers, beads, or painted designs for a religious ceremony. The story implies a ritualistic context.

Wants: To honor and appease their Idol, to maintain their traditions.

Flaw: None explicitly stated, but their blind devotion leads to the Missionary's death.

Remain unchanged, continuing their worship and rituals.

A group performing a solemn, ancient ritual at the base of the Idol's pedestal.

Devout, traditional, loyal to their ancient deity.

A group of indigenous people, men and women, standing around the base of a large stone idol. They have dark skin, various traditional hairstyles, and wear simple, earth-toned woven fabrics adorned with beads and feathers. Their expressions are solemn and reverent. Some are kneeling, others stand with hands clasped. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.