"In 1860, 89% of the nation's African Americans were slaves;." (Gilder Lehrman”Institute 2) This statistic implies the desire in this moment to free oneself from slavery, and Jim acts on his desire to be free in the novel. Jim goes through many struggles to gain his freedom but stops at nothing to achieve his goal. Throughout his journey he impacts several people he meets along the way, especially Huck. Jim is the hero of the novel in more ways than just detachment from slavery; his genuinely kind characteristics are what makes Jim different and someone Huck looks up to. Thesis: In Twain's novel The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, he portrays Jim as the hero of the novel through Jim's ability to humanize himself throughout the novel as depicted through his friendship with Huck.I. Daddy being the man he had left, Huck needed someone to look up to. Once Jim and Huck grew closer, Jim began to fill the role of the father figure that Huck had always needed.A. Jim not only as a friend, but as a father wants to do everything he can or must do to protect Huck.1. In chapter nine Twain portrays Jim as a father figure to Huck by showing Jim's protective instincts. “He's a dead man. Yes, of course, even naked. They shot him in the back. I think he's been dead for two, three days. Huck comes in, but don't look at him: he's too shabby. (Two 50s.)2. Jim wants to protect Huck from seeing his father's dead body. In this way Jim becomes the father Huck has always needed. This is part of the beginning of Huck and Jim's friendship and really shows how much Jim cares for Huck. Jim is just starting to play the father role to Huck as, ironically, Jim finds Huck's real father dead.3. ... middle of paper ... do it with all your might. Even though Tom and Jim were not as close as he and Huck, Jim still chose to stay with Tom, demonstrating the type of person Jim was. Actions like this were what gave Jim such great character and that character was noticed when he helped Tom and risked his freedom. Conclusion: Jim fighting to gain his freedom shows us not only his perseverance but also the strong character he continues to build throughout the novel. Jim has a major impact on Huck's life, different from all those who came and left without making a difference in the novel. Their friendship is something that is cherished throughout their journey and also changes Jim for the better by bringing out his compassionate and caring side. By breaking away from slavery and impacting the lives of those around him, Jim becomes the perfect hero for The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.