Brian Robeson is not a typical teenage boy. The plane crash and Brian’s subsequent situation in the wilderness demanded that he change in order to survive. Instead of worrying about school, friendships, or girls, Brian must worry about surviving winter’s freezing temperatures and finding his next meal. Despite his difficult situation, Brian remains levelheaded, and uses knowledge and resourcefulness to stay alive throughout the novel. For example, he remembers things he learned from television programs and school, such as characteristics of wolves and the principles of freezing that help him understand why trees are exploding. Brian’s ability to think critically, connecting previous knowledge with his current situation, proves to be vital for navigating his survival situation successfully.

Brian is highly observant. His senses heighten, and he learns to never ignore the changes he perceives in his environment. For instance, whenever Brian awakens in the middle of the night, he never goes back to sleep until he has understood what subtle shift or sound woke him. Brian’s keen observations also serve him well while hunting. Eventually, they allow him to appreciate the beauty of nature, such as the varied songs the birds sing.

Brian has a deep appreciation for nature. Even when nature causes him danger or discomfort, Brian chooses to be thankful for his environment, rather than to curse it.