Brian Robeson is not a typical teenage boy. He is almost 16, but his independence and resourcefulness are far beyond his years. In his past experiences in the woods, he faced life-and-death situations with nothing but his own grit and clear thinking to save him, and he saw indescribable beauty. Now that he is back to civilized life, he struggles to blend in. Although he tries to do normal teenage activities like going to parties and spending time with friends, he finds that he cannot take an interest in the things his friends care about; he is forever changed by his experiences in the woods.

When Brian returns to the woods, his mental health instantly improves. Nature is where he is happiest and the most at peace. Now that he has a great deal of wilderness survival experience and simple gear, Brian can catch food, make fire, and create a camp with relative ease. He does not feel afraid, nor does he look forward to going home; he is content.

Paulsen shows Brian to be highly observant, constantly taking in the sights and sounds of his environment and taking note of what they mean. In fact, observing and learning is a main reason why Brian wants to be in nature—to see and to know.