Van

Terry O. Nicholson

Terry and Van are fellow explorers and friends, but Van often serves as a mediator between Terry's impulsiveness and Jeff's idealism.

Jeff Margrave

Jeff and Van are close friends and fellow explorers, with Jeff's idealism complementing Van's more pragmatic outlook.

Terry O. Nicholson

Terry and Van are fellow explorers and friends, but Van often serves as a mediator between Terry's impulsiveness and Jeff's idealism.

Jeff Margrave

Jeff and Van are close friends and fellow explorers, with Jeff's idealism complementing Van's more pragmatic outlook.

A Not Unnatural Enterprise

The narrator and sociologist, who reflects on the expedition and the legends of Woman Land.

II: Rash Advances

The narrator; observes the women's calm intelligence and physical strength, participates in the failed escape attempt, and is anesthetized.

A Peculiar Imprisonment

Intensely interested in the language and culture, he studies the women's differences and tries to dissuade Terry from the risky escape.

Our Venture

Van is the narrator and observer, noting the women's wisdom and patience. He finds humor in their failed escape and is curious about Herland's history.

A Unique History

Narrates the history; finds the intellectual interest absorbing; sides increasingly with Jeff against Terry's views.

VI: Comparisons Are Odious

Narrates the chapter, reflects on Herland's social organization and the women's concept of motherhood, and attempts to explain his own society's economic struggles.

VII: Our Growing Modesty

Narrates the chapter, observes Terry's decline in esteem, and directly asks Somel about Herland's faults, seeking to understand their civilization.

The Girls of Herland

Van is the narrator and philosopher of the group. He finds more success with Ellador because he seems 'more like us' (the Herland women), and he reflects on the differences in courtship and social expectations.

IX: Our Relations and Theirs

Narrator; reflects on Herland's child-rearing and contrasts it with his own culture; in a deep, restful relationship with Ellador.

X: Their Religions and Our Marriages

Narrator who reflects on Herland's religion and his relationship with Ellador.

Our Difficulties

Van acts as a moderate, analytical narrator, using reason to navigate the cultural divide; he develops a deep, companionate friendship with Ellador.

Expelled

Narrator who deeply reflects on the differences between Herland and his own society, grows to love Ellador, and decides to stay with her.