True Grit

by

Charles Portis

Jesse James Character Analysis

A nonfictional outlaw, and the younger brother of Frank James. Like Frank and Rooster, Jesse was part of William Quantrill’s group of guerilla soldiers, who fought against pro-Union forces during and after the Civil War. However, Rooster tells Mattie that he doesn’t remember meeting Jesse, though Potter tells him he was already quite vicious when he was part of Quantrill’s gang.
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Jesse James Character Timeline in True Grit

The timeline below shows where the character Jesse James appears in True Grit. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Chapter 6
Collaboration, Companionship, and Loyalty Theme Icon
Violence, Courage, and Intelligence Theme Icon
...to safety. He then says that Cole doesn’t deserve the reputation he has, insisting that Jesse James is the one who committed the violent act for which everyone holds Cole accountable. When... (full context)