Dorian Gray "Ian" Henry

The narrator and protagonist of the novel, Ian is a teenage boy living in rural Vermont with his mother, Brandi, and his dog, the titular Gather, on his family's farmland. Generations of poverty have reduced the amount of land the family owns, but Ian still feels a deep connection to it, aided by memories of his deceased grandfather's lessons about how to live off the land. Ian is shown to be very resourceful, able to fix machinery easily and find ways to survive.

Ian is shown to be polite and considerate. For example, he helps out Mrs. Ellsley before even knowing she and her family will provide him with food and a job. He is resentful of those who "baby" him or make assumptions about his life, such as the principal at his school Mr. Albertson or his wealthy classmate Zach. However, he is kind...