Major Characters
Jacob Jankowski
Jacob is the main character in the novel. He is currently 93 years old and has a flaming passion for adventure. The only problem is he lives in a nursing home and his brittle body is deteriorating. One day Jacob begins to relive his days living on a circus. Jacob's story begins at Cornell University where he is preparing to write his final exam to become a veterinarian. Before he could begin his exam Jacob is confronted by police and given the news of his parents unexpected death and is unable to complete his exam. Feeling lost, Jacob finds himself walking aimlessly until the sound of a train forces him to take notice. Feeling as though nothing else in his life is worth keeping he takes a leap of faith and jumps aboard the moving train. Jacob soon discovers that he is on the Benzini Brothers Most Spectacular Show on Earth - a traveling circus! Jacob soon becomes the circus' animal doctor. While looking at animals Jacob instantly falls in love with Marlena - a show girl. Marlena is married but Jacob can't help but feel this way towards her. As Jacob's journey with the circus continues his relationship with Marlena blossoms. The relationship between the two makes August- the head animal trainer and Marlena's husband furious. August threats and abuses the two as acts of anger. Jacob's time with the circus taught him how to be independent and fight for the things he loves. Jacob refuses to let his relationship with Marlena die and is dedicated to do whatever it takes to be with her. Jacob's surroundings has forced him to grow up and become a new found leader.
Jacob is the main character in the novel. He is currently 93 years old and has a flaming passion for adventure. The only problem is he lives in a nursing home and his brittle body is deteriorating. One day Jacob begins to relive his days living on a circus. Jacob's story begins at Cornell University where he is preparing to write his final exam to become a veterinarian. Before he could begin his exam Jacob is confronted by police and given the news of his parents unexpected death and is unable to complete his exam. Feeling lost, Jacob finds himself walking aimlessly until the sound of a train forces him to take notice. Feeling as though nothing else in his life is worth keeping he takes a leap of faith and jumps aboard the moving train. Jacob soon discovers that he is on the Benzini Brothers Most Spectacular Show on Earth - a traveling circus! Jacob soon becomes the circus' animal doctor. While looking at animals Jacob instantly falls in love with Marlena - a show girl. Marlena is married but Jacob can't help but feel this way towards her. As Jacob's journey with the circus continues his relationship with Marlena blossoms. The relationship between the two makes August- the head animal trainer and Marlena's husband furious. August threats and abuses the two as acts of anger. Jacob's time with the circus taught him how to be independent and fight for the things he loves. Jacob refuses to let his relationship with Marlena die and is dedicated to do whatever it takes to be with her. Jacob's surroundings has forced him to grow up and become a new found leader.
Marlena
Marlena is a dazzling show girl on the circus and Jacob's major love interest. At only age 17, Marlena ran away from her family and eloped with August, the main animal trainer and started her life with him on The Benzini Brothers Most Spectacular Show on Earth. For years, Marlena stood by August's side in what looked like a happy relationship but in reality was an abusive one. Marlena put up with August's violent outbursts until Jacob came along. Jacob and Marlena's relationship started out as a tight friendship until she realized that she deserves someone who truly loves and respects her as a partner in life and begins to doubt her relationship with August. Marlena slowly transformers into a strong, independent women show is not afraid to stand up for herself or what she believes in. Marlena begins to make difficult but smart decisions that allow her to have a happy and well deserved future.
Marlena is a dazzling show girl on the circus and Jacob's major love interest. At only age 17, Marlena ran away from her family and eloped with August, the main animal trainer and started her life with him on The Benzini Brothers Most Spectacular Show on Earth. For years, Marlena stood by August's side in what looked like a happy relationship but in reality was an abusive one. Marlena put up with August's violent outbursts until Jacob came along. Jacob and Marlena's relationship started out as a tight friendship until she realized that she deserves someone who truly loves and respects her as a partner in life and begins to doubt her relationship with August. Marlena slowly transformers into a strong, independent women show is not afraid to stand up for herself or what she believes in. Marlena begins to make difficult but smart decisions that allow her to have a happy and well deserved future.
Rosie
Rosie is loveable and intelligent, not only that but she is the main event of the entire circus. In the beginning of the novel, Rosie is seen as a problem and a waste of money because she cannot preform. Her inability to do what August commands frustrates him so much that Rosie gets physically abused on a daily bases. Soon after, Jacob realizes Rosie does not speak English but polish! Jacob and Rosie create a great bond and become inseparable. Although Rosie is an elephant she knows right from wrong and does not forget those who do her wrong.
Rosie is loveable and intelligent, not only that but she is the main event of the entire circus. In the beginning of the novel, Rosie is seen as a problem and a waste of money because she cannot preform. Her inability to do what August commands frustrates him so much that Rosie gets physically abused on a daily bases. Soon after, Jacob realizes Rosie does not speak English but polish! Jacob and Rosie create a great bond and become inseparable. Although Rosie is an elephant she knows right from wrong and does not forget those who do her wrong.
August
August is a paranoid schizophrenic, the main animal trainer, Marlena's husband and the antagonist in the novel. For years, circus August has had a violent reputation, he is known for not only physically abusing animals but people too. People around him allow his mental illness excuse his violent actions but Jacob believes that there’s no excuse for his actions. Tension begins to steadily build between Jacob and August when he notices that Marlena and Jacob are becoming closer than ever. August attempts to use his charm and charisma to manipulate Jacob and win Marlena back but his unforgiveable past can only win so many people back.
August is a paranoid schizophrenic, the main animal trainer, Marlena's husband and the antagonist in the novel. For years, circus August has had a violent reputation, he is known for not only physically abusing animals but people too. People around him allow his mental illness excuse his violent actions but Jacob believes that there’s no excuse for his actions. Tension begins to steadily build between Jacob and August when he notices that Marlena and Jacob are becoming closer than ever. August attempts to use his charm and charisma to manipulate Jacob and win Marlena back but his unforgiveable past can only win so many people back.
Minor Characters
Uncle Al
Uncle Al is the owner of The Benzini Brother Most Spectacular Show on Earth, without him the circus would be dysfunctional. Unfortunately, Uncle Al is greedy and treats his workers extremely poorly. All the money the circus makes goes towards buying Rosie and when workers do not get paid he simply tells them to “Deal with it”. Uncle Al is willing to do whatever it takes to save money around the circus, including “Red lighting” people. Red lighting is the act of sneaking into a person’s room at night and throwing them off the moving train causing death. Uncle Al is brutal and has no limits.
Uncle Al is the owner of The Benzini Brother Most Spectacular Show on Earth, without him the circus would be dysfunctional. Unfortunately, Uncle Al is greedy and treats his workers extremely poorly. All the money the circus makes goes towards buying Rosie and when workers do not get paid he simply tells them to “Deal with it”. Uncle Al is willing to do whatever it takes to save money around the circus, including “Red lighting” people. Red lighting is the act of sneaking into a person’s room at night and throwing them off the moving train causing death. Uncle Al is brutal and has no limits.
Kinko
Kinko is a little man who was sold to the circus at a young age. He preforms as the circus' clown. Jacob is forced to share a room with him and instantly discovers that he is antisocial, bitter and not someone he wants to be around. As the two get to know each other better Kinko reveals his real name to Jacob as an effort to turn their rocky friendship into a positive one. The two form a unique friendship where trust and honesty play a major role. Kinko's journey throughout the novel is unique but for the better.
Kinko is a little man who was sold to the circus at a young age. He preforms as the circus' clown. Jacob is forced to share a room with him and instantly discovers that he is antisocial, bitter and not someone he wants to be around. As the two get to know each other better Kinko reveals his real name to Jacob as an effort to turn their rocky friendship into a positive one. The two form a unique friendship where trust and honesty play a major role. Kinko's journey throughout the novel is unique but for the better.
Camel
Camel is the first person Jacob meets when he jumps aboard the train. Men on the train don't like Jacob's company and are moments from throwing him off the train until Camel sticks up for Jacob and allows him to stay. Jacob instantly grows respect for Camel and his courageous act. Camel is a heavy drinker and as a result contracts "Jake Leg" a disease from Jamaican Ginger that causes one to become paralyzed. Jacob feels that he owes Camel for sticking up for him and decided to help in out in his time of need to prevent him from getting red lighted.
Camel is the first person Jacob meets when he jumps aboard the train. Men on the train don't like Jacob's company and are moments from throwing him off the train until Camel sticks up for Jacob and allows him to stay. Jacob instantly grows respect for Camel and his courageous act. Camel is a heavy drinker and as a result contracts "Jake Leg" a disease from Jamaican Ginger that causes one to become paralyzed. Jacob feels that he owes Camel for sticking up for him and decided to help in out in his time of need to prevent him from getting red lighted.
Rosemary
Rosemary is present-day Jacob's favourite nurse at his nursing home. She is thoughtful, sweet, generous and Jacob feels is the only nurse that does not look down upon him because of his age. Rosemary is always kind to Jacob and is willing to help him out at anytime.
Rosemary is present-day Jacob's favourite nurse at his nursing home. She is thoughtful, sweet, generous and Jacob feels is the only nurse that does not look down upon him because of his age. Rosemary is always kind to Jacob and is willing to help him out at anytime.