Eric "Hoss" Cartwright may be intimidating to anyone who first sets eyes on him, but the expression "a gentle giant" applies perfectly to his case. Hoss, when one digs down deep to know him, is loveable and gentle, and for this reason his younger brother, Joe, always pulls him into crazy schemes that does more harm than good. He loves beautiful things and horses. Women of the town always look past him at Adam or Joe, but those who find time to love an ugly giant will find a a jewel so rare it will surprise them greatly.