Jackson is a supporting character who operates entirely within the internal, control room universe of the book. He is defined by his association with Hestemes and his role as the high stress, technical operator of the “game,” representing the stressed out functionary of an evil, all powerful system.
The Stressed Functionary: Jackson is characterized by his high stress reaction to unfolding events.
Technically Proficient: His role is clearly that of the technical operator or analyst. He is the person who executes the system’s directives.
Reactive and Subordinate: Jackson is not the mastermind; he is an employee. His actions are entirely reactive to the crises initiated by the “Players” and the commands of his superior, Hestemes. He displays no independent philosophical or emotional stake in the game, only the desire to prevent catastrophic failure and maintain the integrity of the operation.
Jackson’s challenges are practical and immediate, focusing on the technical failure of the system he manages.
Systemic Failure: His primary challenge is the sudden, catastrophic breakdown of the security protocols and the game itself, triggered by Marsh. When Marsh breaks free and the elevator crashes, Jackson faces the immediate and profound failure of the complex he manages.
Jackson displays himself as the beleaguered engineer, a highly stressed, technically competent functionary overwhelmed by the unexpected human element of the “game.”
The Man Behind the Curtain: He is the physical manifestation of the “control room”, the necessary, mundane element that enables the grand, cruel scheme. He is the person who ensures The Beast’s data is captured and the game proceeds, yet he is never seen by the players.
