Bridge to Terabithia characters

Appears from the start

A fifth-grade boy in rural Virginia who gets up early to train as a runner before doing chores for his large family. Jess feels overlooked at home and keeps his talent for drawing mostly private because he expects his father to disapprove. He hopes to become the fastest boy in his grade when school resumes.

Appears from the start

Jess's younger sister and the family member most openly devoted to him. She follows him around, shares his excitement about running, and wants to be included in what he does.

Appears from the start

Jess's mother, worn down by money worries, housework, and the competing needs of five children. She expects Jess to help with chores and can be impatient when the household is under strain.

Appears from the start

Jess's father, who commutes to Washington for work and returns home tired. Jess longs for his approval but finds him emotionally distant and worries that his father would regard drawing as an unsuitable interest for a boy.

Appears from the start

One of Jess's older sisters. Ellie is absorbed in clothes, social plans, and her own concerns, and she frequently joins Brenda in complaining or teasing Jess.

Appears from the start

One of Jess's older sisters, usually allied with Ellie. She is quick to mock Jess and to make family disagreements harder for him.

Appears from the start

The young music teacher at Jess's school and the one teacher who recognizes his artistic ability. Her unconventional manner and encouragement make her especially important to him.

First appears in chapter 2

The new girl living in the old Perkins place next to the Aarons farm. Leslie approaches Jess with easy confidence and dresses unlike the girls he knows. He is wary of her unfamiliar manner, while she plainly wants to become friends.

First appears in chapter 3

The strongest runner among the fifth-grade boys before Leslie challenges the usual order. Competitive and status-conscious, he controls who is allowed into the recess races.

First appears in chapter 3

Jess and Leslie's fifth-grade teacher. She is stern, formal, and intimidating to Jess, who privately compares her to a threatening creature, though her severity is not the whole of her character.

First appears in chapter 4

Leslie's father, a writer who has moved his family to the country and is restoring their neglected farmhouse. He and Leslie address each other by first name, an informality that surprises Jess.

First appears in chapter 4

Leslie's mother, a writer whose work initially keeps her in Washington while the family settles into the old farmhouse. Like Bill, she has an affectionate and unusually informal relationship with Leslie.

First appears in chapter 5

An older, physically imposing student who bullies younger children. After she steals May Belle's snack, Jess and Leslie regard her as an enemy they must defeat without starting a fight they cannot win.

First appears in chapter 6

A lively puppy Jess gives Leslie for Christmas. Leslie names him Prince Terrien and appoints him guardian of the imaginary kingdom she shares with Jess.