David: Book 1

David is the protagonist of Book 1, "Washington Square." David lives with his grandfather in New York City during the 1890s. When David and his siblings, John and Eliza, are young, their parents die. Their grandfather, Nathaniel Bingham, assumes custody. Throughout David's childhood and coming of age, he is less adventurous and curious than his siblings. At 29, he is unmarried and still living in his grandfather's Washington Square house. He works part time for his grandfather's charitable foundation. He spends most of his time alone and without an exact purpose or trajectory.

As soon as David learns that he will inherit Washington Square following Grandfather's death, David's regard for himself and his future changes. The house has always been a refuge for him. It has been symbolic of safety and stability. However, when he learns he will spend the rest of his life there, David starts to feel...