The Skeleton Tree

As the novel’s protagonist, Chris is a dynamic character whose arc begins with inexperience and uncertainty and ends empowered and at peace. The novel doesn’t delve into details about his backstory or reveal his surname. Chris has one friend in school, an overweight boy named Alan who has no other friends. Chris dislikes school, though he apparently doesn’t struggle academically.

Although only 12 years old, Chris displays maturity that exceeds his years. Many of his actions are driven by empathy. He attempts to help Frank, even to his own detriment. When items wash up that suggest the loss of children from Japan, Chris is moved to hold proxy funerals for them. In addition, he buries a piece of their lost boat, Puff, which symbolizes laying Uncle Jack to rest. Likewise, he holds funerals for Thursday’s companion and later for Thursday himself. Empathy drives Chris to act and is at the core of his character identity.

Although he has reason to be angry, Chris doesn’t allow bitterness to consume him. His father concealed a brother from him, stealing away to spend time with another family. Chris doesn’t feel rejected, abandoned, or unworthy but rather rationalizes his father’s choices as his own and believes that his father loved him.