Chris is portrayed as a divided character - the Scottish and the English Chrises. Other characters, notably John Guthrie, Ewan Tavendale, Long Rob and Chae Strachan are also complex figures.
Chae is the tenant at Peesie's Knapp, a good friend and neighbour of the Guthries. Although he is presented almost as a comic character at times, he approaches the status of tragic hero by the end.
Chae is famous for his socialist principles. This leads him to believe the world will be a place of peace and prosperity when the Germans have been defeated.
He is later disillusioned after seeing how the lands of Kinraddie have been damaged. He has a vision of one of Calgacus' men, who fought the Romans, which reminds him that wars have never solved anything.
Chae has travelled widely in America and South Africa – a fell wandering billy [chap]
, as he is described in the Prelude. Although Marget is not his real daughter, he loves her as a father as much as he does his other children.
Unlike his friend John Guthrie, he brings her up in a liberal way, so that Marget is well informed about sex, a knowledge she shares with Chris.
Chae is well-liked
, and a good worker, described as one of the handiest billies in Kinraddie
. When John Guthrie dies, it is to Chae Chris sends the signal for help and he comforts her after Ewan's death.