The River

Brian is not an average teenage boy. Ever since surviving 54 days in the Canadian woods, he has never been the same. His time in the woods matured him, and he has a humble attitude untypical for a teenager. He attributes his success in the woods to luck rather than skill and dislikes the excess of attention and publicity after his return. His relationship with everyday necessities has also changed, and he values things others take for granted, such as food and time. No one fully understands him because they have not experienced survival as he has. His experiences have brought him immense maturity, bravery, and resourcefulness.

Brian is also highly observant, a skill that serves him well in the woods. He constantly learns from his observations. For example, he hears individual sounds in his environment and uses all of his senses to judge the weather, what animals are nearby, and whether danger approaches. He constantly thinks back to books he has read or information he has heard to aid him in survival. For instance, he remembers a story about a girl who could hear while she was in a coma, so he decides to start talking to Derek based on this knowledge. He also remembers that humans cannot live long without water, which drives him to leave for the trading post, knowing that Derek will not last until help arrives. Brian’s observations and ability to remember information are important factors for survival. 

Brian is also shown to be mentally strong. He remains levelheaded in difficult and scary situations. For example, when he feels fear in the plane, he controls his emotion and releases his fear. He also stays calm when mosquitoes attack on the first night and encourages Derek to do the same. When lightning strikes Derek, Brian accepts the situation and thinks clearly rather than panicking. At several points, he takes action in scary situations rather than remaining frozen in fear or shock. Brian uses logic to face one problem at a time, such as calculating the distance to the trading post and speed of the river current. While on the river, he presses on despite fatigue, hallucinations, pain, and hunger. He even recognizes and fights dark thoughts about Derek. When bad luck comes, Brian accepts it quickly and moves forward by thinking logically and choosing a course of action. Brian’s psychological strength ultimately leads him and Derek to safety.