You Are Jeff

Richard Siken

You Are Jeff

Richard Siken
19 pages38-minute read
Fiction
Poem
Adult
Published in 2019

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Character List

Meet the key characters, with insights into their roles, motivations, and relationships—spoiler-free.

Major Characters

The narrator of the poem constantly addresses the primary subject while acting as a guide, observer, and participant in the chaotic setting of memory and fantasy. Fluid in his identity, he claims to be all the men in the poem. He openly explores the complex intersections of desire, aggression, and heartache through his poetic directions.

Key Relationships

Addressed Subject of You

Symbolic Manifestation of The First Twin

Symbolic Manifestation of The Second Twin

Symbolic Extension of The Boyfriend

Part of The Father

Part of The Brother

The primary addressee of the poem moves through a fragmented journey of romantic and physical encounters while dealing with feelings of vulnerability and isolation. Existing as both a distinct individual and a reflection of the other men, this figure bears the emotional and physical bruises of recurring heartbreak. He constantly seeks a safe space to love despite his injuries.

Key Relationships

Advised and Observed by The Speaker

Romantic Interest of The First Twin

Romantic Interest of The Second Twin

Intimate Partner of The Boyfriend

Son of The Father

Brother of The Brother

Close Companion of The Beautiful Boy

Comforted Listener of The Singing Man

One of the handsome men riding motorbikes, characterized by his experience and aggression. He is world-wise and harbors intense, sometimes violent, desires toward his counterpart. He pulls over with a lug wrench in his greasy fist, embodying the dangerous edge of male intimacy.

Key Relationships

Brother of The Second Twin

Romantic Interest of You

Forgotten by God

Spiritually Linked to The Devil

Observed by The 12-Year-Old Boy

Manifestation of The Speaker

The counterpart to the aggressive twin, sharing his physical attractiveness and motorcycle. While his brother wants to take things apart, he prefers to stitch them back together. He engages in a fierce roadside wrestling match that blurs the lines between combat and passion.

Key Relationships

Brother of The First Twin

Romantic Interest of You

Forgotten by God

Spiritually Linked to The Devil

Observed by The 12-Year-Old Boy

Manifestation of The Speaker

Supporting Characters

One of the three men participating in a card game. He sits on the winning team and represents the current state of romantic connection, sharing a deep intimacy by seeing his partner naked and hearing him talk in his sleep.

Key Relationships

Romantic Partner of You

Card Game Opponent of The Father

Card Game Opponent of The Brother

A familial figure participating in a card game. He forms part of the spectrum of male relationships that shape identity, blending family history with the broader exploration of male connection.

Key Relationships

Father of You

Father of The Brother

Card Game Opponent of The Boyfriend

Another participant in the card game. His presence reinforces the thematic intertwining of fraternal bonds and emotional closeness among men.

Key Relationships

Brother of You

Family Member of The Father

Card Game Opponent of The Boyfriend

A young passenger observing the physical interaction between the two twins on the side of the road. Lacking a brother and unfamiliar with such ferocious intimacy, he attempts to make sense of his own emerging desires from the empty seat beside him.

Key Relationships

Fascinated Observer of The First Twin

Fascinated Observer of The Second Twin

A youth sitting in a vehicle at the conclusion of the poem. He shares a quiet, hesitant mutual affection that brings a sudden rush of grounding emotion, though their connection causes feelings of societal guilt.

Key Relationships

Romantic Companion of You

An unseen presence singing in a bathroom while someone else lies alone in a bunk bed. He embodies the distant, unidentified hope for male affection and comfort.

Key Relationships

Unseen Comforter of You

A metaphorical figure introduced during a farcical interlude. He makes himself a sandwich and functions as a fluid concept representing the space between two men.

Key Relationships

Symbolic Counterpart to The Devil

Forgotten Creator of The First Twin

Forgotten Creator of The Second Twin

A symbolic presence representing the transgression or intense passion of the wrestling men. Like his divine counterpart, he comes to signify the complicated space and connection between two individuals.

Key Relationships

Symbolic Counterpart to God

Associated Figure to The First Twin

Associated Figure to The Second Twin