Gabriel Oak is a farmer, “a young man of sound judgment, easy motions, proper dress, and general good character” who occupies a middle ground in public opinion (5). He is 28, and therefore at an age between the impulsivity of youth and settling down for marriage.

One day, Oak observes a wagon come to a stop near him on the road and its attractive young passenger. A piece of the wagon has fallen off, and while the driver goes back to retrieve it, Oak watches her. When the driver returns and they continue to a toll, Oak hears them argue with the gatekeeper over the price. When he hears that the gatekeeper is not going to let them pass, Gabriel steps in and pays the toll for her. However, she does not thank him and merely chooses to drive on, “for in gaining her a passage [Gabriel] had lost her her point” (10).

Gabriel had only recently adopted the title of “Farmer,” having just procured his own sheep farm. A few nights after the incident with the wagon, we observe Gabriel at work: “Oak’s motions, though they had a quiet energy, were slow, and their deliberateness accorded well with his occupation” (16).