Harry Heathcote

Giles Medlicot

Giles and Harry are intense rivals, clashing over land, resources, and personal pride in the Australian bush.

Kate Daly

Harry and Kate are siblings, with Harry acting as a protective brother and Kate often caught between family loyalty and her own affections.

Jacko

Jacko is Harry's loyal stockman and employee, working closely with him on the station.

Bill Nokes

Bill Nokes is a bitter antagonist to Harry, often scheming against him due to personal grudges and class resentment.

Old Bates

Old Bates is a hired hand or neighbor who works with Harry, though their relationship is marked by mutual wariness.

Boscobel

Boscobel is a servant or employee on Harry's station, assisting with daily operations.

Old Brownbie

Old Brownbie is a neighbor and rival to Harry, often clashing over boundaries and livestock.

Mrs. Heathcote

Mrs. Heathcote is Harry's mother, and their relationship is one of familial care and concern.

Karl Bender

Karl Bender is a worker or neighbor who has a professional, sometimes tense, relationship with Harry.

George Brownbie

George Brownbie is part of the Brownbie family, feuding with Harry over land and livestock.

Giles Medlicot

Giles and Harry are intense rivals, clashing over land, resources, and personal pride in the Australian bush.

Kate Daly

Harry and Kate are siblings, with Harry acting as a protective brother and Kate often caught between family loyalty and her own affections.

Gangoil

The master of Gangoil, proud of his wool-shed and home, but frustrated by free-selectors and the harsh climate. He is obstinate, industrious, and devoted to his family.

II: A Night's Ride

Rides out at night to inspect his boundary, confronts Medlicot about Nokes and fire risk, shows deep distrust of free-selectors.

Medlicot's Mill

Harry appears at the wool-shed, where he discovers an arson attempt. He is agitated and suspicious, believing an enemy tried to burn the shed, and is relieved that Medlicot did not stay for dinner.

Harry Heathcote's Appeal

Anxious and burdened, Harry appeals to Medlicot for help but is rebuffed, deepening his sense of isolation.

V: Boscobel

Continues his nightly patrols, feeling isolated and burdened by his autocratic responsibilities; detects Boscobel's fraud and confronts him.

VII: “I Wish You’d Like Me”

Exhausted from night riding, sleeps on veranda; discusses fears of fire and suspicion of Nokes; arranges Christmas dinner at Gangoil.

VIII: “I Do Wish He Would Come!”

Returns home fatigued, sleeps briefly, then rides out to inspect the boundary and fight fires.

The Bush Fight

Leads the firefighting effort, confronts Georgie Brownbie, and learns from Medlicot that Nokes set the fire. He reflects on the betrayal and the difficulty of proving arson.

X: Harry Heathcote Returns in Triumph

Returns from the fire fight, exhausted but resolute; rides to Maryborough for the doctor and police.

Sergeant Forrest

He hosts Sergeant Forrest at Gangoil and expresses ongoing distrust of Boscobel.

Conclusion

Sleeps soundly after fighting the fire; later toasts 'Our friends at home' at Christmas dinner.