Poetry · Character

Jesus

The lamb-like figure of Gethsemane and Calvary, sweating blood in the garden and groaning under the hammer while his followers sleep.

major

First appearance: The Crucifixion

As a major figure in Poetry, Jesus is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Mentioned in the final line as the destination of the race's spiritual journey: 'You sang a race from wood and stone to Christ.'

In the storyO Black and Unknown BardsOpen this moment free

See Jesus in O Black and Unknown Bards Book page

Free preview opens at this moment — character cards, Character Web, and themes sit beside the text as you read.

Jesus prays 'not as I will' while the three disciples doze, then endures Pilate's washed hands, the purple robe, the crown of thorns pressed down. The poems return to him as 'my gentle Jesus,' 'my darling Jesus' —…

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The fuller portrait of Jesus sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.

See Jesus in The Crucifixion

Character Web

9 connections

A slice of how Jesus sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Friendship
Family

Character groups

Protagonist
Biblical patriarchs and rulers
Death and mourned faithful
Biblical first and fallen
Diverse allegorical and biblical figures

+4 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Falling action.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

The emotional peak occurs when the speaker transforms passive despair into active defiance, declaring "glad de…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

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Relationships

Noah
friendship · positive
Jesus and Noah share a spiritual alliance, with Jesus supporting Noah's righteous mission. How this plays out →
Mary
family · positive
Simon
friendship · positive
Father Abraham
family · positive
Sister Caroline
friendship · positive
Noah
friendship · positive
Jesus and Noah share a spiritual alliance, with Jesus supporting Noah's righteous mission. How this plays out →
Sister Caroline
friendship · positive

Noah
Jesus and Noah share a spiritual alliance, with Jesus supporting Noah's righteous mission.
Mary
Jesus and Mary are mother and son, with Mary as a nurturing and devoted parent.
Simon
Simon is a disciple and close companion of Jesus, sharing in his ministry.
Father Abraham
Father Abraham is a revered ancestor of Jesus in the messianic lineage.
Sister Caroline
Jesus offers spiritual guidance and comfort to Sister Caroline in her faith journey.
Noah
Jesus and Noah share a spiritual alliance, with Jesus supporting Noah's righteous mission.
Sister Caroline
Jesus offers spiritual guidance and comfort to Sister Caroline in her faith journey.

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See Jesus in The Crucifixion

In the story

Jesus appears across 5 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

O Black and Unknown Bards
Mentioned in the final line as the destination of the race's spiritual journey: 'You sang a race from wood and stone to Christ.'
Listen Lord
Implied as 'Mary's Baby' and the rider on the milk-white horse.
The Prodigal Son
Introduced as the speaker of the parable, though the narrative is delivered by a preacher figure.
Go Down Death
Receives Sister Caroline, wipes her tears, rocks her, and offers her eternal rest.
The Crucifixion
Jesus is the central figure, shown praying in Gethsemane, betrayed, tried, mocked, crucified, and dying on the cross.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Jesus unlock in the free preview.

See Jesus in The Crucifixion

See Jesus in O Black and Unknown Bards