#in the early books its really interesting to see jake's innocence and immaturity

[grandwretch]

I've been thinking a lot about Jake's role in the Animorphs, both as a leader and as a human being. And how so much of it is to tied to him being the most sheltered of the kids. Even Rachel, who had an equally privileged life, had to deal with her parent's divorce and helping to raise two younger sisters. But Jake had never faced a tragedy before losing Tom to the Yeerks.

Which is certainly interesting. It really makes him a great foil to Tobias, who has had the hardest life pre-crash. It also fits in well with the theme that Marco and Rachel represent, of the anger that having your shelter ripped away from you.

Jake was only able to become the leader because of that anger, which was much more fresh and focused than Rachel and Marco, and because he hadn't already spent years fighting it like Tobias (and presumably Cassie) have. Like... he's just finding out that life isn't fair. Right on the page. And he's making it Visser Three's problem. And that is so endlessly fascinating.