Into The Wild Chris Mccandless Character Analysis

Chris McCandless is the main character of Jon Krakauer`s novel Into the Wild. McCandless displays impregnable determination and independence; however, his lack of common sense and impetuous decisions control his life. McCandless`s odyssey of the America West and Alaska bring out all of his traits, both good and bad.
McCandless stays undeterred by other`s request and donations throughout his journey. He was a hard worker, wherever he worked and was determined to finish his work. However, he, as described by a co-worker, “[would] get moody, wouldn`t like to be bothered. Seemed like a kid who was looking for something, look for something, just didn`t know what it was” (Krakauer 42). He was determined to a fault; furthermore, he would always

be thinking ahead and not at the task at hand. Thus, his decisions were half-hearted and not always thoroughly thought through. He was also determined, during his journey, to do everything himself and not accept gifts. Wayne Westerberg reminisced on Chris`s stubbornness, “I even offered to buy him a plane ticket to Fairbanks, which would have let him work an extra ten days and still get to Alaska by the end of April, but he said, ‘No, I want to hitch north. Flying would be cheating. It would wreck the whole trip’” (Krakauer 67). McCandless stayed determined through his journey to do everything his way. He seemed to loathe the thought of making his trip easier, in reality, he appeared to enjoy the ordeals and obstacles.
McCandless while smart, shows great lacking of common sense.

As called out upon by multiple readers of the article about McCandless in Outside including this critique: “Why would anyone intending to ‘live off the land for a few months’ forget Boy Scot rule number one: Be Prepared? Why would any son cause his parents and family permanent and perplexing pain?”(Krakauer 71). Krakauer also commented on this same matter with a similar feeling, “McCandless was a seeker and had an impractical fascination with the harsh side of nature. Like Waterman and McCunn, he displayed a staggering paucity of common sense” (Krakauer 85). Both Krakauer and the reader`s opinions are supported in the novel through McCandless`s actions and decision. Chris is rash in his decision making and does not give much thought before deciding; in addition to this example, he also heedlessly left his supportive family, gave up on his car with most of his belongings in a matter of hours when it was not starting, and declined most support, money, transportation from others. He brushed off the warnings of others and continued with his plan in multiple instances, one of which ended up killing him.
McCandless had no close relationship with any women during his journey. However, he was found amiable by many men who offered help to him. Chris left his family at the beginning, and he left them in the dark about his

expedition.
McCandless`s main conflict was between other characters who had intentions of helping him. He did not waver from his goal of going to Alaska; furthermore, he declined most help and brushed of warnings during his trek. He has not faced any major conflicts yet.
The book is told in mainly third person omniscient; however, it includes first person also. Krakauer includes excerpts from McCandless`s diaries and conversations with people who knew McCandless which are both told in first person point of view. These excerpts allow for a more in-depth view of McCandless`s story, and it allows for varying opinions. Krakauer`s narration mainly follows an impartial viewpoint.
The locations tremendously affect McCandless. Chris is nomadic in his movement and tires out of locations quickly. Chris moves throughout the western United States. His longest stints of living where in South Dakota and Alaska. His locations greatly alter how lives. In Alaska he has to hunt for food, while in South Dakota he works for and is given food.