The Outcasts of Poker Flat” In the short story “The Outcasts of Poker Flat” by Bret Harte we see a recurring theme with the characters in the story. Most of the characters in "The Outcasts of Poker Flat" appeared to be "bad guys", most proving by the end of the story to be truly good people. The theme that even evil people can change is very prevalent in three characters. The city of Poker Flat was determined to get rid of specific characters who were causing problems and harm to the community. John Oakhurst, the Duchess, and brothel owner Mother Shipton were the troublemakers they needed to get rid of. Mother Shipton, the original troublemaker, was a prostitute in the gambling town of Poker Flats. Mother Shipton had that "bad girl" mentality for being a prostitute. Mrs. Shipton and the other characters in the story were banished from Poker Flats and later found themselves snowbound in a cabin in the California mountains. As it snows, the reader can see Mother Shiptons' perceived character change. They had little to no food and their own ...