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The oldest of the three Lee children, Nathan (“Nath”) has the clearest view of his family, a quality symbolized by his telescope. Unlike his parents or sisters, he can see farther than the tiny cosmos the family creates. Intelligent, quiet, and determined, Nathan has a close but complicated relationship with Lydia. He competes with her for their parents’ attention and is often jealous of the fact that she always receives more than he does. Envy even leads him to push her into the lake, which is particularly dangerous since Lydia cannot swim. Nathan saves her and, in so doing, becomes her tacit protector. Still, when he is accepted into Harvard, he is thrilled at the prospect of escaping the unhealthy world of his childhood, even as he worries about leaving Lydia alone. Even years after her death, he feels sorry for all the many things he cannot tell her.
After Lydia’s death, Nathan develops a new appreciation for Hannah, and with her help he confronts his rage at Jack, a longstanding antipathy fueled by his suspicions about Jack’s interest in Lydia. Nathan and Jack build a relationship—hinted at rather than developed—that seems to endure well into the future. Where the other main characters struggle with failure, Nathan has the skills to succeed in the world and achieve his goals.
