Bear

Sam’s older sister by just 13 months, Elena is 29 and has always been Sam’s biggest support and confidante. Whereas many of their high school peers deemed Sam awkward and strange, Elena exuded confidence that showed that she didn’t need the approval of other teens. In the novel’s present, as their mother becomes too ill to work, Elena demonstrates her hardworking, responsible, and reliable nature by managing the household. She not only attends to the details of household upkeep but also manages the family’s finances and her mother’s care and medical bills. When the COVID-19 pandemic strikes, Elena bears the burden of being the household’s primary source of income because Sam’s job on the ferry is on hold due to travel restrictions. Elena performs all these tasks thanklessly and without complaint, though the emotional and mental demands fill her life with stress and she has little joy or pleasure. Her occasionally reminding Sam that they don’t share in the work equally, however, suggests that she does harbor some resentment.

As the novel unfolds, Elena grows increasingly enchanted by the bear. She becomes convinced that its appearance is a special, magical event, and her interactions with it become a means for her to achieve pleasure and hope amid a life that otherwise offers little relief from stress. This indicates Elena’s adventurous spirit, but to Sam, Elena’s fascination with the bear is worrisome. In her view, the bear’s presence is threatening, and Elena’s interest in it is dangerous, reckless, and potentially destructive. Elena, unlike Sam, resigns herself to a mundane, work-filled life on the island and regards Sam’s plans to leave the island as unrealistic and fantasy-like—which is ironic because Sam, in turn, regards Elena’s assessment of the bear as irrational and ridiculous.

Elena’s death undoubtedly impacts Sam greatly. Ultimately, a combination of factors contributes to it, and it’s a lifelong and irreconcilable loss for Sam.

Like Sam and Elena, their neighbor Danny has lived on the island his entire life. Sam is initially wary of Danny’s interest and concern in her family. She focuses on the immature boy that Danny was in high school, assuming that he views her as weird and strange. Gradually, however, Danny proves himself sincere: He’s kind and caring toward Sam and Elena, concerned for their well-being and eager to provide them with assistance. His inquiries about their mother’s health and help in repairing the damage to their home, however, gradually earn Sam’s trust. Danny is down-to-earth and genuinely friendly, and, though Sam is cautious around him, he gently persists in trying to support her. A patient and careful listener, Danny offers Sam advice and guidance as she voices her concerns about the bear’s presence. Danny earns Sam’s complete trust when he successfully convinces their mother’s ex-boyfriend to quietly leave her memorial service, recognizing the stress and potential danger that his presence poses for Elena and Sam.

When Danny reveals that he has been involved in a secret relationship with Elena, Sam is initially taken aback and angry. However, Danny not only respects the relationship between Sam and Elena and doesn’t wish to infringe on it, but he also shares Sam’s concerns about Elena’s interactions with the bear. He proceeds with caution as Sam takes steps to remove the threat by shooting the bear. Despite his level-headed interactions and his intent to protect Elena, however, Danny’s involvement in the plan to kill the bear ultimately costs Elena her life.