in the novel the secret river by kate grevnil is smasher and blackwood convicts or settlers

In the novel "The Secret River" by Kate Grenville, Smasher and Blackwood are not convicts, but rather settlers. They are among the early British settlers who arrive in Australia as part of the colonization efforts.

In the novel "The Secret River" by Kate Grenville, Smasher and Blackwood are both convicts.

The character Smasher is a fellow convict who becomes an antagonist in the story. He is known for his violent and aggressive behavior towards the indigenous Australians and other convicts. Smasher represents the dark and brutal side of colonization.

On the other hand, Blackwood is also a convict who plays a significant role in the novel. He is a more complex character, as he befriends and helps the main protagonist, William Thornhill. Blackwood eventually becomes a settler in the story, but his past as a convict influences his decisions and actions.

Overall, both Smasher and Blackwood were initially convicts but their paths and actions diverge as the story progresses.