Describe the complexity of Noah's relationship with his father, Robert.

At the time he was born, it was illegal for individuals belonging to different racial classifications to marry or have sex with one another, and thus Noah's very existence is an indication of criminal behavior. Patricia meets and befriends Robert, and since she wants to have a child but does not want a partner, she persuades him to conceive a child with her while promising him that he will not have any responsibilities. However, after Noah is born, Robert realizes that he wants to play a role in the life of his son.

As a child, Noah visited his father every Sunday and also celebrated birthdays and Christmas with him. When Noah was thirteen, Robert moved to Cape Town. By that time, father and son were spending less time together because Noah was preoccupied with his own life and his stepfather Abel didn't like him having contact with Robert. After the move, the two of them lost touch.

When Noah is twenty-four, his mother insists he reconnect with his father, so he tracks Robert down and goes to visit him in Cape Town. Noah is very moved to realize his father has been following his career, but he also pushes too hard trying to re-establish a relationship. His father teaches him that intimacy and comfort can only grow organically as a result of people spending time together.