David Burroughs is the protagonist of I Will Find You, a father devastated by the murder of his three-year-old son Matthew five years ago. Upon being presented with a telling photograph of an eight-year-old Matthew, he becomes determined to escape his life sentence in prison and fight for both of their lives. His arc begins at his lowest point, his failure to protect his son violating his identity as a man and father. David’s fixation on traditional masculinity caused tension in his marriage to ex-wife Cheryl, but former sister-in-law Rachel’s photograph gives him the opportunity to better understand and redeem himself. His fight with fellow prisoner Ross, a man similar to Matthew’s kidnapper Hayden, represents his renewed will to live. With godfather Philip and best friend Adam’s help, he escapes prison and eventually forgives them and his father Lenny for thinking him guilty of murder. Despite David’s previous fixation on genetics, he ultimately seeks and saves Matthew, whom he temporarily believes was fathered by someone else, based on their proven bond. The novel ends with him being exonerated, dating Rachel, and sharing custody with Cheryl.