The morally inclined characteristics of Percy Jackson in Rick Riordan’s two novels, The Lightning Thief and The Sea of Monsters

Abstract

This study was a content analysis of morally-inclined characteristics of Percy Jackson in Rick Riordan’s contemporary novels, The Lightning Thief and The Sea of Monsters. Specifically, it identified the following: Morally-inclined characteristics of Percy Jackson as to selflessness, fortitude, and loyalty. The theory of narrative empathy was used to analyze the books and it was found that Percy Jackson indeed showed selflessness as one of his morally-inclined characteristics which was shown in his selfless decisions, most of which were made for the benefit of his loved ones which include his mother (Sally), and friends in Camp Half-Blood. The result of the analysis suggests that Percy Jackson always thinks about the welfare of other people before himself. Percy Jackson also showed fortitude in different situations he encountered in the novels. He was not afraid to try new things and do his best so he can protect the people close to him. Percy Jackson also did displayed loyalty as one of his morally inclined characteristics in the two novels. However, just like his selflessness, Percy appeared to be loyal only to those he cared for.