The Bourne Identity

Bourne is The Bourne Identity’s titular protagonist. He is referred to by different characters using different names, including “Cain,” “Delta,” and “the chameleon.” The novel’s end reveals that his real name is David Webb. Bourne has a complicated and troubled history, which he tries to uncover throughout the novel. He is found by a fishing vessel in the Mediterranean after he is shot several times and is then taken to Dr. Washburn, who helps him recover. Unable to remember who he is, he experiences debilitating flashbacks of memory that repeatedly disrupt his life.

When Bourne (then David) was stationed in Cambodia at the start of the Vietnam War, his wife and his two children were killed, causing him to join a covert squad known as Medusa, which infiltrated North Vietnam and carried out assassinations for the United States and its allies. During this time, he went by the name “Delta” and was known as one of the most ruthless and well-trained members of Medusa. After the war, he was recruited by David Abbott and Treadstone to help stop the notorious assassin Carlos. Wanting to keep the name “Webb” hidden, Bourne took his new name from one of the members of Medusa who was killed, yet reported missing, during the war.