Carl Linstrum

Alexandra Bergson

Alexandra and Carl have a deep, enduring romantic bond that survives years of separation.

Emil Bergson

Carl and Emil share a friendly, brotherly bond, with Carl acting as a mentor figure to the younger Emil.

Marie Shabata

Carl and Marie are friendly acquaintances, with Carl observing her unhappiness in marriage.

Alexandra Bergson

Alexandra and Carl have a deep, enduring romantic bond that survives years of separation.

Alexandra Bergson

Alexandra and Carl have a deep, enduring romantic bond that survives years of separation.

Emil Bergson

Carl and Emil share a friendly, brotherly bond, with Carl acting as a mentor figure to the younger Emil.

Emil Bergson

Carl and Emil share a friendly, brotherly bond, with Carl acting as a mentor figure to the younger Emil.

Marie Shabata

Carl and Marie are friendly acquaintances, with Carl observing her unhappiness in marriage.

Marie Shabata

Carl and Marie are friendly acquaintances, with Carl observing her unhappiness in marriage.

I

A frail, sensitive boy with a skeptical outlook; he offers quiet sympathy to Alexandra and shares his magic lantern as a small comfort.

III

Joins the visit and listens to Ivar's tales, showing thoughtful interest.

IV

Informs Alexandra that his family is moving to St. Louis; expresses regret at leaving her and recalls their long friendship.

III

Returns to the Divide after many years, on his way to seek fortune in Alaska; visits Alexandra.

IV

Returns to the Divide after years away; reflects on his life as a wood engraver and his sense of failure and rootlessness.

V

Walks alone at dawn, recalling his childhood with Alexandra, and observes Emil and Marie hunting.

VI

Accompanies Alexandra to the Shabatas', observes Marie's eyes, and discusses his feelings about returning.

VII

Mentioned as returning to pay a long deferred visit to Alexandra, marking the timeline of the chapter.

VIII

Discussed by Marie and Emil; Marie likes him and thinks he appreciates Alexandra, while Emil enjoys talking to him about New York.

Chapter IX

Rides with Emil to the fair and spends the afternoon talking to Marie Shabata.

Chapter X

Mentioned as the subject of the brothers' accusations; he is away at the Catholic fair with Emil during the confrontation.

XI

Rode to Oscar's with Lou and Oscar to talk; not present in the scene but central to Alexandra's discussion.

XII

Carl is pale and tired after his anger has burned out; he announces he will go North to seek his fortune, unable to accept Alexandra's offer.

I

Carl is in Dawson, having sent Alexandra orange flowers from California before the river froze.

Part V: Alexandra

Returns to the Divide and rekindles his friendship with Alexandra, becoming a source of tension with her brothers.

I

Alexandra wrote to him after Emil's funeral, but he is prospecting in Alaska and has not replied.

II

Sends a telegram to Alexandra from Hanover, asking her to hurry back.

III

Returns from the Klondike after hearing of the tragedy, reassures Alexandra, and proposes spending the winter with her.