Dr. Jacob Maddox
Quick Facts: Jacob is the male lead in Yours Truly, an ER doctor transferring to a new hospital after a difficult breakup. He is kind and selfless, but struggles with social anxiety. His journey centers on overcoming misjudgment and finding love with Dr. Briana Ortiz.
Who He Is
Dr. Jacob Maddox is more than just a handsome face in black scrubs; he's a deeply empathetic soul hidden behind a wall of social anxiety. His move to Royaume Northwestern Hospital is an attempt to outrun a past complicated by family drama and a failed relationship, but it thrusts him into a new arena of social challenges. Jacob's quiet nature and awkward interactions often lead to misunderstandings, but beneath the surface lies a man of profound kindness, unwavering principles, and a surprising wit that emerges when he feels safe.
Personality & Traits
Jacob's defining characteristic is his struggle with clinical social anxiety, a condition that colors his interactions and shapes his perception of the world. Despite this challenge, his inherent goodness shines through in his actions and his dedication to others.
- Anxious and Introverted: Jacob's social anxiety, explored under the theme of Mental Health and Anxiety, makes new social situations a minefield. He often retreats into silence or says the wrong thing, leading to misinterpretations. For example, his initial interactions at Royaume are perceived as coldness, when in reality, he's battling internal turmoil.
- Deeply Kind and Empathetic: Despite his own struggles, Jacob consistently demonstrates profound empathy. He comforts a frightened child in the ER by carefully stitching up her doll, showing a tenderness that belies his reserved exterior.
- Selfless and Diplomatic: Jacob consistently puts others' needs before his own, even at personal cost. He willingly lies to his family about having a girlfriend to spare them the awkwardness of his ex-girlfriend, Amy, marrying his brother, Jeremiah.
- Witty and Self-Deprecating: Once comfortable, Jacob reveals a sharp, self-deprecating humor, particularly in his letters to Briana. He shares embarrassing stories, like the one about his sister giving him a lawnmower tattoo, showcasing a lighter side.
- Principled: Jacob lives by a strong moral code, prioritizing harmlessness and doing the right thing, even when it's difficult. This is evident in his commitment to donating a kidney anonymously to Benny Ortiz, driven purely by altruism.
Character Journey
Jacob's journey is a transformation from isolation to connection. He arrives at Royaume feeling "unmoored" and misunderstood, his anxiety amplified by the painful circumstances of his past. The theme of Communication and Misunderstanding is central to his initial struggles, as his quietness is mistaken for arrogance. His first letter to Briana marks a turning point, allowing his true personality to emerge. Through their correspondence, he sheds the "Dr. Death" persona and reveals his wit and kindness. As he grows closer to Briana, he gains confidence and a sense of belonging. His decision to donate a kidney transforms him from a passive character into an active agent of profound good. By the end of the novel, Jacob has found not only romantic love but also a community that accepts him. He learns to advocate for his own happiness, culminating in his confession of love to Briana and his willingness to build a real life with her, symbolizing his complete journey toward Healing and Second Chances.
Key Relationships
- Dr. Briana Ortiz: Jacob's relationship with Briana is the heart of the novel. It evolves from animosity to a deep friendship built on the intimacy of their letters, ultimately blossoming into a powerful romance. Briana becomes the person who truly understands his "language," making him feel seen and safe in a way he never has before.
- Amy: Jacob's ex-girlfriend. Their failed relationship is a source of much of Jacob's initial pain and anxiety. Amy's inability to understand his anxiety ("Sounds like Amy really likes hanging out in trees") contrasts sharply with Briana's innate empathy. Seeing Amy happy with Jeremiah ultimately allows Jacob to find closure and realize he is fully in love with Briana.
- Jeremiah: Jacob's younger brother. The relationship is complicated by Jeremiah's engagement to Amy. Jacob's willingness to fake a relationship to protect his brother's happiness underscores his selfless nature and his deep, if strained, love for his family.
- Dr. Zander Reese: Jacob's best friend. Zander serves as a crucial support system, being one of the few people who fully understands Jacob's anxiety. He acts as a confidant and is instrumental in facilitating the kidney donation process.
Defining Moments
Jacob's journey is punctuated by key moments that reveal his true character and drive his transformation. These moments showcase his vulnerability, selflessness, and ultimate growth.
- The First Letter: After a series of disastrous first impressions, Jacob writes a heartfelt letter to Briana, apologizing and explaining his social anxiety. This act of vulnerability completely changes her perception of him and opens the door to their unique and intimate friendship.
- The "Girlfriend" Lie: To protect his family from feeling awkward about Amy and Jeremiah's engagement, Jacob impulsively lies about having a new girlfriend. This lie creates the central fake-dating premise and forces him into a deeper, albeit initially pretend, relationship with Briana.
- The Kidney Donation: Inspired by his mother's own transplant and moved by Benny's situation, Jacob secretly gets tested and is found to be a perfect match. His decision to donate an organ anonymously is the ultimate expression of his selfless character.
- The Confession of Love: After a series of misunderstandings, Jacob confronts Briana and confesses his true feelings, breaking through the pretense of their arrangement. He tells her, "I am so fucking in love with you, I’ll settle for anything." This moment transforms their fake relationship into a real one.
- The Journal: On the day of the surgery, Jacob gives Briana his journal, allowing her to read his private thoughts and see the entire progression of his love for her. This is his final, most profound act of vulnerability, erasing all of her doubts and solidifying their future.
Essential Quotes
Jacob's words often reveal the depth of his emotions and the complexities of his character. These quotes offer a glimpse into his inner world and highlight his journey of self-discovery and love.
I sometimes find that journaling helps me organize my thoughts. I seem to be having a hard time saying and doing the right things recently, so I figured writing this down might be best.
This quote reveals Jacob's self-awareness and his struggle to communicate effectively due to his anxiety. It highlights his proactive approach to managing his thoughts and feelings, using journaling as a tool to navigate social situations.
I think I would have enjoyed the tiny horse.
This seemingly simple statement encapsulates Jacob's dry wit and his ability to find humor in awkward situations. It demonstrates his endearing personality that emerges when he feels comfortable and safe.
You know, love shows up, Briana. And even if you keep me away from you, my heart will still be where you are. So just let me be where you are.
This quote showcases Jacob's unwavering devotion and his willingness to overcome any obstacle to be with Briana. It emphasizes the depth of his feelings and his belief in the power of love.
Use me. Use me for whatever you want. Just stay.
This vulnerable plea reveals Jacob's deep desire to be needed and accepted by Briana. It highlights his selfless nature and his willingness to sacrifice his own needs for the sake of their relationship.
Dearest Briana, I know you’re scared. You have every right to be. But someday, decades from now, when our grandchildren are grown and our hair is gray, and we’ve spent a lifetime being harmless to each other, you’re going to find this letter yellowed and wrinkled, forgotten in a shoebox. You’ll read it and you’ll remember how frightened and unsure you were once. How afraid you were to give yourself to someone, how hard it was to trust again—and you’ll smile. Because I’ll still be there. And we will still be in love. Yours truly, Jacob
This quote, taken from one of Jacob's letters, is a testament to his enduring love and commitment to Briana. It encapsulates his desire to provide her with comfort and reassurance, promising a lifetime of unwavering support and affection.