Jessica Watson
Jessica is the narrator and protagonist of the memoir True Spirit. When she was growing up, Jessica was fearful of water and could not face even the idea of swimming. However, being fearful did not prevent Jessica from dreaming of doing extraordinary things because she believed that one day she could achieve her dreams.
As a young woman, Jessica was motivated to pursue her dreams by following Helen Keller, who says that without taking risks and adventuring, one cannot succeed in this life. Throughout her life, Jessica has seen her parents crossing from one side of the river to the other while doing their daily jobs in Australia. Sailing life was routine in Jessica's family when she was young. Slowly, Jessica started gaining the courage to sail as she transitioned from childhood into her teenage years.
Helen Keller
Helen Keller is not much mentioned in the novel, but she remains a significant figure in Jessica's life. Helen is why Jessica grew up to be courageous and daring because one must take risks to succeed. According to Helen, life is not smooth. It is like sailing in rough waters, and only those who take the risk will reach the other end.
Roger
Roger is Jessica's father. Roger was a courageous man who encouraged his children to be fearless and gave them a chance to experience the risks of life.
Julie
Julie is Jessica’s mother and Roger’s wife. She is a courageous woman who spends most of her life sailing with her husband across dangerous waters and supporting her husband in raising their young family. Julie is also an inspiring woman who always reads for her kids before they go to bed at night.
Jesse Martin
Jesse Martin is a self-made sailor who documented his experiences in a memoir for the world to read. One day, Jessica's mother opens the book to read for her children, and Jessica develops interest. Jesse is inspiring because he started his sailing exploration while young and did not come from a rich family to fund his dream. Jessica decides to read the book independently to get the motivation she needs to excel in her dreams.
