Cork is the protagonist of Iron Lake. He describes himself as “a dozen pounds overweight, smok[ing] far too much, and […] beginning to go a little bald on the crown of his head” (19). Cork claims that he is not brave, and his girlfriend Molly agrees, stating that he is stubborn. However, his actions in the novel belie his self-characterization, as he consistently takes on dangerous situations to pursue the investigation.

After moving back from Chicago to his hometown of Aurora, Cork became sheriff of Tamarack County, but the novel starts a year after his recall as sheriff. However, despite the constant refrain that he is “not the sheriff anymore” (16), Cork is still seen by many in the community as an authority figure and someone to turn to for help. The trust that is placed in him by people like Darla and Henry speaks to Cork’s integrity.

Cork’s father died when he was 13, and in his absence, Sam Winter Moon stepped in as a father figure. Sam’s death at the spearfishing protest, a year before the novel starts, was devastating to Cork and coupled with his shooting of Arnold Stanley, caused Cork to spiral into grief.