Walter Bergulund

Walter can be argued as the protagonist of the novel. Growing up in a rather rural area of Minnesota, Walter deals with his drunk father and uncaring brothers. After a conflict with one of his brothers, Walter chooses to go stay at his family's lake house and make some repairs. While living near the lake, Walter learns to love nature and animals (specifically birds).

Years later, he attends college and makes friends with Richard Katz, a musician. Richard and Walter develop a long-lasting friendship primarily motivated by competition. In college, Walter further develops his liberal ideology. Towards the end of his college career, he meets Patty. He attempts to establish a romantic relationship with her, but initially, Patty is only interested in Richard. Regardless, Walter and Patty eventually marry and have two children. Over the years, the marriage slowly degrades and Walter develops a rather contentious relationship...