The Mountain Between Us

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of death, child abuse, pregnancy loss, and animal death.

The novel’s primary protagonist and first-person narrator, Ben, is a 39-year-old orthopedic surgeon from Florida. He’s an avid hiker who often spends his free time finding difficult mountains to explore. In high school, he was a state champion and state record holder in track and field, primarily specializing in long-distance running. He married his high school sweetheart, Rachel, and they spent more than 15 years together before she passed away while pregnant with his twin children.

Ben has a complex history with his father, who forced him to run six miles each morning and work out to become a better athlete. Ben notes how “so much of what [he is], [his father] made. Forged it in [him]. […] But Dad used pain to rid [Ben] of pain. Leaving [him] empty and hurting” (53). His father was emotionally abusive toward Ben and became physically abusive after Ben failed to break a four-minute time in his final high school race; however, Ben respects the dedication and hard work that his father instilled in him.

Ben’s physical and mental conditioning, including his survival knowledge and clinical thinking, are the primary reasons why he and Ashley survive their ordeal in the wilderness.