 McLean's roommates at the Institute are "Pig" Pignetti, Mark Santoro and Tradd St. Croix, the last of whom offers him a key to his parents' house.As the term begins, McLean's roommates participate in breaking in the new cadets, while McLean remains aloof.This draws the attention of the school's commanding officer, Lt. Gen. Bentley Durrell, who warns him not to be soft.