Characters Discussed
Aleck Maury
Aleck Maury, a Southern sportsman. Trained in the classics by his father and his aunt and further educated at the University of Virginia, he becomes a teacher in several small schools and colleges. His principal loves, however, are fishing and hunting, which he cultivates as fine arts.
James Morris
James Morris, his uncle, a Virginia planter who introduces Aleck to fox hunting.
Victoria (Aunt Vic) Morris
Victoria (Aunt Vic) Morris, his aunt, a rigorous disciplinarian and learned woman who broadens and stimulates Aleck in his studies.
Julian Morris
Julian Morris, his cousin, who hates studies and loves sports.
Doug Fayerlee
Doug Fayerlee, owner of Merry Point.
Sarah Fayerlee
Sarah Fayerlee, his wife.
Molly Fayerlee
Molly Fayerlee, the Fayerlees’ younger daughter, whom Aleck marries. She dies a number of years later after an operation.
Richard Maury
Richard Maury, Aleck and Molly’s son. He enjoys swimming and wrestling rather than hunting and fishing. He is accidentally drowned.
Sarah (Sally) Maury
Sarah (Sally) Maury, Richard’s younger sister.
Steve
Steve, Sarah’s husband, a scholar and author.
Rafe
Rafe, a handyman in the Maury home, a giant black man who teaches young Aleck to hunt raccoons.
Mr. Jones
Mr. Jones, a mill owner who takes young Aleck fishing and instills in him a lifelong love of the sport.
Harry Morrow
Harry Morrow, Aleck’s assistant at the seminary and later his superior as president of Rodman College.
William Mason
William Mason, a friend from whom Aleck gets a hunting dog.
Colonel Wyndham
Colonel Wyndham, a fishing expert and friend of Aleck.
Jim Buford
Jim Buford, a friend with whom Aleck lives for two years after Molly’s death.