Jesse Aarons

Infobox character
colour = hot pink
name = Jesse Oliver Aarons, Jr.


caption = Jesse Aarons (Josh Hutcherson) in the 2007 film.
first = Chapter 1: Jesse Oliver Aarons, Jr.
last = Chapter 13: Building The Bridge
cause = End of book
nickname = Jess
alias = King of Terabithia
gender = Male
age = 10-11 (12 in the 2007 film adaptation)
hair:dark brown<Link title
occupation = Student / Husband / Guardian
title = "King"
family =

• Mother
• Jesse Oliver Aarons, Sr. (Father)
• Ellie and Brenda (Older Sisters)
• May Belle and Joyce Ann (Younger Sisters)

relationship(s) = Leslie Burke (best friend)
portrayer =

• Julian Coutts (1985 film)
• Josh Hutcherson (2007 film)

creator = Katherine Paterson

Jesse Oliver Aarons, Jr. is a fictional character in the book "Bridge to Terabithia" by Katherine Paterson, who based him on her son. Jesse is an artistic boy who is fearful of doing courageous things. Jesse was extremely depressed before Leslie Burke, with whom he jointly created the fictional kingdom of Terabithia, comes into his life. He is a very good runner and only lost to Leslie in the school race. But through Terabithia, Leslie gave him courage.

Afterwards, he finds out his only and best friend, Leslie, perished trying to enter Terabithia alone when he went to an art museum in Washington with his teacher, whom he had a crush on. When he accepts Leslie's death, he lets go of his frustration. Jesse soon realizes Leslie has made him strong and courageous through Terabithia. After making peace with Leslie's death he makes his younger sister, May Belle, the new queen (in the film version, a princess) since the queen, Leslie, had passed away.

1977 book

It comes to being Christmas time, and Jesse gets Leslie a puppy. Leslie gives Jesse his present: an art set. Jesse is shocked but loves the present.

Jesse has an unspoken infatuation with his music teacher, Miss Edmunds, which is the reason why Jesse doesn't invite Leslie to the museum with him and Miss Edmunds.

2007 film

After hearing that Jesse loves drawing, Leslie gives him an art set for his birthday. He says, "This looks expensive..." In return, Leslie tells him, "I could exchange it for a cheaper one if you like." Later, to show his appreciation, Jesse gives Leslie a dog she names "Prince Terrien, Troll Hunter Extraordinaire".

Like the book, the film revolves around the dramatic focus of Jesse's relationship with Leslie Burke (played by AnnaSophia Robb) and his crush on Miss Edmunds (played by Zooey Deschanel). Leslie's secret crush for Jesse is hinted at in several scenes, such as her reaction to the gift of Prince Terrien by hugging him. He also starts feeling the same way when he is mesmerized by her the last time he was with her.

Navbox
name = Bridge to Terabithia
title = Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson
group1 = Novel
list1 = Bridge to Terabithia (novel)
group2 = Characters
list2 = Jesse Aarons • Leslie Burke
group3 = Other Media
list3 = Bridge to Terabithia (1985 film) • Bridge to Terabithia (2007 film)
group4 = Other Items
list4 = Newbery Medal • Walt Disney Pictures • Walden Media