PART 1 A privileged youth, a taste for risk  Photos There is a boldness, and brashness, about Kerry that can breed resentment, but it has also served him well in political life.

PART 2 Heroism, and growing concern about war  Photos To his crew, Kerry was one of the most daring skippers in the Navy. But he still wrestles with the scenes of death he commanded.

PART 3 With antiwar role, high visibility Photos Aides to President Nixon worried that John Kerry was a unique, charismatic leader who could undermine support for the war.

PART 4 First campaign ends in defeat Photos By 1972, John F. Kerry was a national figure, but without roots in one place he could call home.

PART 5 Taking one prize, then a bigger one Photos In 1982, John F. Kerry found a political landscape as changed as he was by events of the previous 10 years.

PART 6 With probes, Kerry making his mark Photos As the Iran-contra scandal unfolded, John Kerry would find an outlet for his prosecutorial skills, his thirst for media attention, and his still-simmering outrage over Vietnam.

PART 7 At the center of power, seeking the summit Photos In the Senate, where seniority and decorum still mattered, John F. Kerry was seen as an impatient new breed.

CHAT TRANSCRIPT: On June 17, The Globe's Michael Kranish chatted with Boston.com users about this series. Read the transcript

TIMELINE: Key events and dates in the life of presidential candidate John Kerry View timeline