4.1 The leatherstocking tales a The leatherstocking Tales, tell the tale of their central character Natty bumppo back woodsman and wilderness scout Natty is a fictional character, based on certain originals remembered from the author 's boyhood. Here, embodied in a clear-cut romantic type is the American moral ideal9 ◼ The Leatherstocking Tales, tell the tale of their central character Natty Bumppo, backwoodsman and wilderness scout. Natty is a fictional character, based on certain originals remembered from the author’s boyhood. Here, embodied in a clear-cut romantic type is the American moral ideal. 4. 1 The Leatherstocking Tales