Frederic March is father to the March sisters and husband to Mary March. A Union Army officer recovering from a broken arm, he spots Confederate scouts near their Gettysburg home during a picnic. This compels him to leave his family and report the intelligence to Union command, aiding battle preparations.

His departure coincides with Confederate occupation. While he is away, the March home is destroyed in battle and the family savings stolen, forcing them to relocate to Newcord, Massachusetts, seeking refuge with his estranged aunt, Martha March.

His absence creates significant hardship. Serving as a Union chaplain reinforces his moral role; letters sent home provide guidance, inspiring his daughters' resilience. A telegram later announces his serious illness at a Washington, D.C. hospital, prompting Mary to travel and care for him.

He returns home safely after the war, restoring family stability. He resumes his vocation as a minister for a nearby parish. His homecoming marks a shift towards normalcy, coinciding with pivotal events for his daughters like Meg's marriage and Beth's declining health.