Allan is the novel’s protagonist. As the main narrative takes place in May 2005, he has turned 100 years old—and in the final pages, he turns 101. An orphaned Swedish boy sent to work in a dynamite factory at age 10 after completing the third grade, Allan is extremely intelligent, observant, and inquisitive. His attitude is accepting and optimistic. Without intending to, he encounters many of the most important individuals of the 20th century, befriending and charming them with his integrity, honesty, and insights.

Allan cleaves unerringly to a set of principles. His priority is avoiding commitment to any form of idealist partisanship: political, economic, or religious. Allan attaches himself to people but never to their causes. On occasions when people insist that he chose a side on an issue or movement, Allan invariably refuses. He believes that most great conflicts could be settled if world leaders discussed their differences over a bottle of vodka.

Allan not only seeks but offers acceptance. He is soft-hearted toward animals—and people who aren’t particularly bright. He often rescues individuals trapped in situations beyond their control regardless of their affiliations or beliefs.