Jess

Jess functions as a dynamic <a data-internal-link data-link-type="Literary Device" href="https://www.supersummary.com/protagonist/">protagonist</a> whose complex past shapes his navigation of civil conflict. His <a data-internal-link data-link-type="Literary Device" href="https://www.supersummary.com/characterization/">characterization</a> emerges through a series of contrasts: his solitary nature versus his deep loyalty to Storey, his careful deliberation versus necessary violent action, and his poetic sensibility versus his outdoor survival skills. These dualities manifest in his history as both an aspiring poet and soccer player in youth and his adult pattern of extended solitary outdoor excursions that contributed to his marriage’s collapse. His past relationship with Storey’s mother, Hannah, which occurred when Jess was 17, creates an underlying tension that drives his protective actions toward Storey throughout their journey. Unlike the more emotionally volatile Storey, Jess exhibits a methodical approach to survival, drawing on his experience with fishing boats and outdoor skills. His tactical decisions—choosing to scout locations alone, hiding their trail, selecting defensive positions—stem from both his practical knowledge and his sense of debt toward Storey. Yet his protective instincts extend beyond mere survival skills, as demonstrated by his careful handling of Collie’s emotional state, particularly regarding her dog’s death.&nbsp; The prayer stone, given to him by Jan, serves as a physical manifestation of his internal life, connecting his present circumstances to his romantic past while symbolizing his capacity for both attachment and loss.

Storey

Collie

Hannah

Genres

Action & Adventure

Book Events

Earth Day

Relationships

Fathers

Emotions & Behavior

Fear

Forgiveness

Friendship

Guilt

Memory

Life & Time

Mortality & Death

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Safety & Danger

Society

Peter Heller

Adult

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

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Overview

Get ready to explore Burn and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Burn Summary and Study Guide

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Background

Burn Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Prologue-Chapter 5

Burn Prologue-Chapter 5 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 6-10

Burn Chapters 6-10 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 11-15

Burn Chapters 11-15 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 16-19

Burn Chapters 16-19 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

Burn Character Analysis

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Themes

Burn Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Burn Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

Burn Important Quotes with Page Numbers

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Character Analysis

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