A Time to Keep

Characters

Bill

• Hardworking: Bill is a diligent and hardworking character. He has built his house and made his boat with his own hands, showcasing his self-reliance.
• Introverted: Bill is depicted as an introverted character. He often works alone and is somewhat isolated from the community, possibly due to jealousy stemming from his marriage to Ingi, who belongs to a higher social class.
• Confrontational: Bill can be confrontational and aloof, which contributes to his isolation from the community. He is often rude to other characters, and he refers to Anna as "ugly" in section eleven.
• Stubborn and Courageous: Bill's stubbornness is a mark of his courage. He resists powerful adversaries, including Laird and Mr. Sinclair. He is resolute in his beliefs and actions.
• Conceited: At times, Bill appears conceited. He dismisses the prospect of attending church and christening his child as nonsense.
• Tender: Despite his flaws, Bill has a tender side. He deeply loves Ingi and is devoted to her. He appreciates Ingi's efforts and shows tenderness when caring for their child.

Ingi

• Cheerful and Considerate: Ingi is consistently cheerful and considerate. She is devoted to Bill and stands by his side.
• Not Domestically Skilled: While Ingi may lack domestic skills, she does her best to create a comfortable home. Her efforts are evident in her attempts at cooking and maintaining the household.
• Diplomatic: Ingi is diplomatic and tactful in dealing with conflicts. She supports Bill but also recognizes the importance of avoiding conflicts in their small community.

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Prose

• Perceived as Weak: Despite her virtues, Ingi is often perceived as weak by others. Her father and Arthur both comment on her lack of physical strength.