Buck Forrester belongs to the Forrester family, neighbors to the Baxters in the Florida scrub country. He distinguishes himself from his generally rowdy and combative brothers through his level-headedness and civility. Buck maintains a cordial and mutually helpful relationship with the Baxters, particularly Penny Baxter. When Penny is incapacitated by a rattlesnake bite, Buck provides aid and assists with tasks on their farm, demonstrating his sense of responsibility and community despite family conflicts. He also conveys to Jody Baxter that his friend Fodder-wing, before dying, had chosen the name "Flag" for Jody's pet fawn. Though typically portrayed as generous and kind-hearted, Buck participates with other Forresters in an incident at a Volusia Christmas party that frightens the townspeople, illustrating his connection to the family's volatile dynamic despite being more reasonable than brothers like Lem. His character serves as a counterpoint to Lem Forrester's antagonism, revealing moments of decency within the Forrester clan.