Allen Forrester

Allen is one of the two main characters in the novel and a Colonel in the United States Army. All is a well-respected leader who earned a Medal of Honor for protecting his men after a surprise attack by the Indians before the novel begins. He takes a small group on an expedition through the wilderness of Alaska. Allen is a calm and thoughtful leader who is said to never be drunk or disorderly when on duty. He cares a lot for his men and is devastated when he cannot bring them home. Although his age is never shared, it is said to be at least twice as old as Sophie. He deeply loves his wife and is willing to sacrifice his own goals to help Sophie pursue hers. Allen is fascinated by nature and the culture of the Natives, but he skeptical of their fables and...