List of Bridge to Terabithia characters facts for kids

This article introduces you to the main characters from the famous 1977 children's book Bridge to Terabithia. You'll also learn about the characters as they appear in the 1985 TV movie and the 2007 film based on the book.

Main Characters

Jesse Oliver Aarons, Jr.

Jesse Oliver Aarons, Jr. is a key character in the book Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson. The author was inspired to create Jesse after a sad event in her own son's life. Jesse is played by Julian Coutts in the 1985 film and by Josh Hutcherson in the 2007 film. Jesse is the middle child in his family.

Jesse in the 1977 Book

Around Christmas, Jesse gives Leslie a puppy named P.T., short for Prince Terrien. Leslie surprises Jesse with an art set, which includes many colors and brushes. Jesse is very happy with this thoughtful gift.

Jesse also has a special admiration for his music teacher, Miss Edmunds. This is why he doesn't invite Leslie to join him and Miss Edmunds on a trip to the museum.

Jesse in the 2007 Film

How Jesse is Shown

In the 2007 film, Leslie knows Jesse loves to draw. She gives him an art set for his birthday, which he thinks must have cost a lot. Leslie jokes that she can return it for a cheaper one if he wants. To show his thanks, Jesse gives Leslie a dog. She names the dog "Prince Terrien, Troll Hunter Extraordinaire."

The film focuses on Jesse's close friendship with Leslie Burke (played by AnnaSophia Robb). He also has a small crush on Miss Edmunds (played by Zooey Deschanel). Leslie's feelings for Jesse are hinted at in scenes, like when she hugs him after getting Prince Terrien. Jesse realizes how much he cares for Leslie just before she passes away.

After Leslie's death, her father tells Jesse that Leslie loved him and that he was her best friend. Jesse then understands his deep feelings for her. He wrongly blames himself for her death because he didn't invite her to the museum. He gets very angry, but others try to help him. In the end, Jesse accepts Leslie's death. He builds a real bridge to Terabithia and makes his younger sister, May Belle, the new princess.

Leslie Burke

Leslie Burke is a character from the popular book and movies called Bridge to Terabithia. Julie Beaulieu played Leslie in the 1985 PBS TV movie. In the 2007 film, AnnaSophia Robb took on the role. Leslie's character was inspired by Lisa Christina Hill, a real-life friend of the author's son.

Leslie's Story

Leslie is shown as a brave, kind, and imaginative girl. She is very friendly, cheerful, and smart. She is also a fast runner. She even becomes the fastest runner in the fifth grade, which usually only boys achieved. This surprises Jesse. Leslie's family moved to Lark Creek in the summer. When school starts, other kids don't always understand her because she's a bit of a tomboy and doesn't follow all the usual rules. However, she quickly becomes best friends with Jesse Aarons. Later, she even helps the school bully, Janice Avery.

Leslie's parents are shown as relaxed and creative. They let Leslie call them by their first names. They also don't watch TV. To escape from daily problems, Leslie and Jesse create an imaginary fantasy kingdom called Terabithia. They rule it as king and queen. They build a small shelter and use a rope swing to cross a creek to get there. Terabithia becomes their special place. They even get a puppy named Prince Terrien to join their adventures.

Jesse and Leslie's friendship grows stronger over time. Sadly, Leslie dies when the rope swing breaks, and she drowns in the creek. This event deeply affects her family and Jesse. Leslie's family decides to move away. Jesse's younger sister, May Belle, becomes the new Queen or Princess of Terabithia after Leslie's death. This suggests that things will eventually get better.

Leslie's Style

In the 1977 book, Leslie wears a T-shirt and cut-off shorts on her first day of school. In the 2007 movie, Leslie's clothes are bright and colorful. This change was made to fit the more modern time setting of the film. She also wears arm warmers.

Leslie in the 2007 Film

In the 2007 movie, AnnaSophia Robb played Leslie Burke. When asked what she liked about the role, Robb said, "I love Leslie's character and the story of friendship and imagination and bullies and giants and trolls and squogers." Critics praised Robb's performance. One critic said she had a "charming performance." Others said Robb had a special glow, like Natalie Portman did at her age. They felt she was becoming a great child actor. They also noted that Robb perfectly showed Leslie's cleverness and unique personality. She played the kind of girl who could beat all the boys in sports, and they would still like her for it.

Other Characters

• Joyce Ann Aarons – Jesse's youngest sister. May Belle thinks Joyce Ann is "nothing but a baby." Grace Brannigan plays her in the 2007 film.
• May Belle Aarons – May Belle is one of Jesse's younger sisters. She is the only one of Jesse's siblings he feels close to. She looks up to him. She is the first of his sisters to learn about Terabithia. After Leslie dies, May Belle becomes the princess of Terabithia. She is played by Jennifer Matichuk in the 1985 film and Bailee Madison in the 2007 film.
• Ellie and Brenda Aarons – Ellie and Brenda are Jesse's two older sisters. They often ask their mother for money she doesn't have. They know how to get their way by complaining. Ellie is the oldest child and often comes up with their ideas. Both sisters usually want nothing to do with Jesse. When Jesse learns about Leslie's death, Brenda is the one who tells him. Ellie is played by Emma Fenton in the 2007 film. Brenda is played by Sharon Holownia in the 1985 film and Devon Wood in the 2007 film.
• Janice Avery – The school bully at Lark Creek. Janice is a bit overweight and gets upset when people tease her about it. She likes Willard Hughes, and Jesse and Leslie use this to trick her. Janice's father is strict with her. Her friends betray her, but Leslie comforts her. Bridget Ryan plays her in the 1985 film, and Lauren Clinton plays her in the 2007 film. The giant troll in Terabithia is based on her.
• Miss Edmunds – The music teacher whom Jesse really admires. She invites Jesse to go to the Smithsonian Museum. Because Jesse goes with her, Leslie goes to Terabithia by herself. This means Leslie is alone when she falls from the rope and drowns. Annette O'Toole plays her in the 1985 film, and Zooey Deschanel plays her in the 2007 film.
• Prince Terrien – A puppy that Jesse gives Leslie as a Christmas gift. He is seen as the guardian and court jester of Terabithia. Leslie's parents take him with them when they leave town at the end of the story.
• Gary Fulcher – A confident kid. Jesse and Gary see each other as rivals. Jesse practices running all summer to try and be the fastest kid in fifth grade, but both he and Gary are beaten by Leslie. Tyler Popp plays him in the 1985 film, and Elliot Lawless plays him in the 2007 film.
• Mrs. Myers – Jesse and Leslie's fifth-grade teacher. Some students call her "Monster Mouth Myers" because she is quite strict. She thinks highly of Leslie. In the 2007 film, Jen Wolfe plays her.
• Bill and Judy Burke – Leslie's parents. They are novelists who moved to the story's location for their work. Unlike many local people, they don't watch television. They move away after their daughter's death.