Harry Tayler is the younger brother of Doris Lessing. The two children spend a lot of time together as they are growing up, especially in Southern Rhodesia. The author does not describe them as loving siblings, but companionable. Harry does well in school, and is popular with the other boys. He joins the Navy at the beginning of the Second World War, and although his ship sinks, Harry survives. He returns to Southern Rhodesia when he gets out of the service and marries.