I can recommend writing your own manifestos if you're tempted; putting this together was a really interesting experience! And laying a character's traits out like this makes it easier to spot the ways they feed into or contrast each other. I'm fascinated by the fact that Jack's so quick to take action as a leader but rarely acts on romantic interest, which is a contrast I hadn't really thought about before.

yeah, i think i can see that here, though i imagine the Jack-hater essay would make more of his... control issues? which you do mention here, but i remember them feeling like such a huge part of his character

True! Even if my essay and the theoretical Jack-hater's essay might touch on similar points, you'd definitely come away knowing who liked him more. I probably should have talked more about his control issues.

Your thoughts about Jack's treatment in contrast to other characters of a similar mould are really interesting! From Jack's introduction, I wasn't sure if he was just going to be 'the perfect hero who Does What Needs to Be Done', and I was pleased to realise that in fact he's deeply flawed in ways the show acknowledges and wants to explore.

GOD i need to go rewatch some Lost episodes you're talking me into becoming a jack stan lol.

I can't tell you how much this delights me. I don't need everyone to like Jack - he's not the most likeable person! - but I do think he's a great character, and, if I can get one person to look at him and go 'huh, this guy might be more interesting than I thought,' I'll consider my time in the Lost fandom well spent.

I'm glad you enjoyed this; thank you!