Simon and Katrina are well matched. Simon is not Dutch, which is refreshing, since there are no language or culture barriers between the pair. The hero is not too old, the heroine is not too young, nor is she a tiny or plain "mouse" of a girl who will eventully marry a very tall and "massive" Neels hero. The doctor is a kind, polite gentleman with a backbone, and the heroine is hardworking, proud, and very ladylike. Katrina is a bit innocent (although no direct reference is made to this in the story) and her lack of familiarity with men creates the conflict in the story since she doesn't know how to relate to Simon when the two first meet.