Most of the story is seen through the eyes of Niel Herbert. Niel is 12 years old at the beginning of the story and in his early 20s during the main body of the novel. The nephew of Judge Pommeroy in Sweet Water, Niel comes from a “good” family, though his father is not wealthy and makes his living by keeping the county’s books and making farm loans. Niel is ashamed of his father’s reduced station in life and considers himself closer to his uncle. Niel first studies to be a lawyer but then decides to become an architect, moving to Boston to study at MIT. He is idealistic and values the moral standards of the pioneer class.

Niel is allowed into the Forresters’ inner circle, and they exert a great deal of influence on his personal development. When he first sees the inside of their home, the serene grace of their lifestyle makes a great impression on him. As he grows older, Niel falls in love with Mrs. Forrester, struck by her grace and beauty, and thinks she is a paragon of virtue. He admires Captain Forrester and considers him a role model. Niel sacrifices a year of his studies to care for the Forresters after the captain is incapacitated by his second stroke and Mrs.