In the novel A Land Remembered, Tobias McIavey plays many key roles. He is a friend, husband, grandfather, father and boss. The two most significant and evident, however, are his roles as a boss and father. As a boss Tobias displays a great amount of loyalty and integrity. As a father he shows determination and courage. Tobias McIavey establishes the foundation of the diverse Mclavey family, including Frog, Bonzo, and Skillit, as well as the foundation of the story.

Tobias Mclavey is a greatly respected boss. As well as Tobias being respected he himself shows a great amount of respect and loyalty to his own workers. Though there were many people who were still racist towards blacks at this time, Tobias accepts Skillit without a thought of his color and respects him for who he is "I got an idea, Skillit. Why don't you stay here for a...