Mehring

Mehring is the novel's protagonist, a successful businessman operating in the pig iron industry. He has common sense and regularly researches investments before he commits himself. In the case of his farm, he initially approached it as an investment. He researched all aspects of the day-to-day workings of the operation, and he was originally very paranoid about the workers leading him astray by overestimating their labor. He has come to look at his farm almost as a blessing. He loves getting away from the city and using it as a refuge from his business life. He has discovered nature and enjoys walking his property.

Mehring gives the impression that he is strong willed, but he has many internal doubts. He worries about his mortality on an almost continual basis. The dead man on his property only reinforces this fear. He also laments the way his son Terry was...