The portrayal of Timothy's parents—his father as a stubborn, self-centered man who cannot relate to his son, and Mrs. Martin as a doting mother—is realistic and necessary for Timothy's story to unfold. Although the father is more obnoxious about it, both parents compare their sons, with Timothy relegated to a poor second. These characters are essential for the background of Timothy's personality and attitudes.

Although Timothy knows he irritates his father, he is surprised and hurt to learn that his father returned to Elmira, leaving the rangers to continue the search. He is also amazed that his parents never ask what he did during his three weeks in the wilderness, but relay in great detail the events that took place in their own lives during that same period.

Blackwood's opinions about the environment and acid rain become those of his main character...