Alec is an only child who lives with his parents in New York City. He has an uncle, Ralph, in India with whom he spent his summer vacation. Alec is fair complected, freckle-faced, and red-headed. Alec possesses a love of horse he gained from his uncle and father. At an early age he is an adept world-traveler. Alec loves adventure.

Alec is well-behaved and polite. He is a hard worker who is unafraid to take on difficult tasks. He is resilient and persistent. While he is honest, Alec often engages in activities that he does not tell his parents about, such as sneaking out of the house in the middle of the night to train his horse. Though he respects his parents and is obedient, Alec yearns to step out of their orbit to fulfill dreams that they do not fathom.

Once Alec bonds with the Black, his focus is singularly on the horse. Alec is willing to take any risk, approach any authority, and make any personal sacrifice for the Black. Throughout, adults who observe the two together stand in awe of the almost mystical nature of their relationship and the bond of trust and acceptance they share.