Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of racism and death.

Jack is the novel’s protagonist and narrator. The book is in his voice, representing his thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Jack is a sensitive character, as evidenced by his frequent nosebleeds. He explains, “I was a nosebleeder. The moment something startled me or whenever I got overexcited or spooked about any little thing blood would spray out of my nose holes like dragon flames” (13). The quote also underlines Jack’s earnest yet humorous voice. He doesn’t make fun of people, but he maintains a sense of playfulness—whether he’s dealing with nosebleeds or the deaths of older women.

Bunny and Miss Volker quip that Jack needs to be a “man,” suggesting that Jack lacks typically masculine traits. He comes across as timid and uses humor to mask his anxieties and lack of confidence. More so, Jack has trouble standing up for himself, and he regularly tries to please Dad, Mom, Miss Volker, and Bunny. This creates conflict, as he can’t fulfill all their needs at once. Dad’s order to destroy the cornfield upsets Mom, and Bunny is mad that Jack is “wasting” his summer with Miss Volker.