Character Analysis
Billy Black is Charlie's best friend and Jacob's father. An accident confined him to a wheelchair. Throughout Twilight and New Moon, we come to know him as a very quiet person who keeps his thoughts to himself, except when it comes to his dislike of vampires, the natural enemies of the Quileutes. What appears to be the superstitions and unfounded hostilities of an old-fashioned tribal elder takes on perspective in Eclipse, when he tells the story of how werewolves originated from the gruesome killings of Quileute people committed by vampires. For the first time, Bella recognizes Billy as a descendant of a long lineage of strong chiefs:
"Never before had I recognized the ring of majesty that was in Billy Black's voice, though I realized now that this authority has always been there." (11.59)
After the werewolves and the Cullens become allies to fight Victoria's evil vampire army, however, Billy warms up to the Cullens: "Good luck, Bella,… And… pass that along to the, er, the Cullens for me" (21.22). Charlie also mentions that Billy expresses his gratitude to Carlisle Cullen for attending to Jacob's wounds.