* Romantic and Nationalist: His work is deeply rooted in Romanticism, emphasizing emotion, individualism, and the beauty of nature, particularly the American wilderness. He's considered a foundational figure in American literature, promoting a distinctly American voice and celebrating the nation's landscapes and frontier spirit.
* Adventure and Action: His novels are packed with adventure, thrilling plots, and exciting action sequences. He excelled at creating suspense and keeping the reader engaged with fast-paced narratives.
* Detailed Descriptions of Nature: Cooper meticulously describes the American landscape, from forests and mountains to rivers and lakes. Nature plays a crucial role in his stories, often serving as a backdrop to the conflicts and adventures of his characters.
* Realistic and Vivid Characters: While often archetypal, Cooper's characters are generally well-developed and possess realistic flaws and motivations. He particularly excels in portraying the Native American characters, although his portrayals are now viewed as problematic in their inherent biases.
* Historical Fiction: Many of his novels are set against the backdrop of historical events, particularly the colonial period and early American history. He attempted to create a historically accurate setting, although his historical accuracy is debatable today.
* Prose Style: His prose can be considered somewhat lengthy and verbose by modern standards. Sentences are often long and complex, reflecting the literary style of his era. He sometimes employs a formal and somewhat elevated diction.
* Moralizing and Didactic: His novels often include didactic elements, conveying moral lessons or social commentary through the actions and fates of his characters. He often explored themes of honor, duty, and the clash between civilization and wilderness.
* Stereotyping: It's crucial to acknowledge that Cooper's work, especially his portrayals of Native Americans, suffers from significant stereotyping and biases common to his time. His depictions reflect the prevailing racist attitudes of the 19th century and should be read with that critical awareness in mind.
In summary, Cooper's style is a blend of Romantic idealism, adventure storytelling, and detailed descriptions of the American wilderness, though marred by the historical limitations and biases of his time. His influence on American literature is undeniable, even as his works are subject to modern critical reevaluation.