Ichabod Crane arrives in Sleepy Hollow as the local schoolmaster, and Irving paints him as a tall, lanky, awkward figure who looks like a scarecrow brought to life. He runs a rough little schoolhouse and believes strongly in discipline, but he is not purely cruel, just self-important and convinced he is doing what is necessary. Despite his oddness, he settles into the community and becomes part of the daily rhythm of the valley.