Jimmy Cross

Jimmy Cross is a fictional character from Tim O'Brien's novel "The Things They Carried," set during the Vietnam War. He serves as a lieutenant responsible for a squad of soldiers. Cross is deeply burdened by the emotional weight of his leadership and his love for a girl named Martha, which distracts him from the dangers of war. His character illustrates themes of responsibility, love, guilt, and the psychological toll of combat. The story explores how soldiers carry both physical and emotional burdens, highlighting the complex realities of their experiences during the war.