Dawson Cole is one of the novel’s two protagonists. He is 42 and works on an oil rig in New Orleans. Dawson leads a solitary life and has few interactions outside of work. Nicholas Sparks uses indirect modes, such as actions, thoughts, and other characters’ perspectives, to characterize Dawson. This enables the narrative to reveal new information about Dawson from different characters’ points of view. It also establishes Dawson as a complex character, who must excavate many layers of his subconscious to arrive at his true feelings.

Dawson is the archetypal misunderstood rebel. From his reminiscences, it is clear that he is different from the other members of his criminally inclined family. As a teen, he stays out of his trouble and does well in school. However, the Cole family is known for their violent ways, and the town’s prejudice rubs off on Dawson when he is sent to prison. This suspicion, which is present through most of the story, is verified when Tanner researches Dawson’s background. He learns that Dawson did not deserve the harsh sentence—four years for involuntary manslaughter—the judge in Oriental gave him.

In the novel, Dawson is defined by the twin obsessions of love and guilt.