Ethan Burke, the protagonist of Pines, is a man who needs to know the truth. When faced with the mysteries of Wayward Pines, Ethan’s dogged determination to find answers pushes him through injury, abduction, and attempted murder. David Pilcher observes how this characteristic sets Ethan apart from the other people in the town: “The people in this town, for the most part, can’t handle the truth of what’s out there. But you…you can’t handle the lie. The not knowing” (278). In the end, this perseverance saves Ethan’s life and, once he does learn the truth, ironically makes him an ally of Wayward Pines.

The urge to find the truth interacts with the theme of The Destabilizing Power of Trauma, driving Ethan to confront his past and choose paths forward that are not necessarily the paths of least resistance. From the time of his accident, the authorities of Wayward Pines give Ethan several opportunities to stop asking questions, accept their explanations, and become part of the town. Even Kate Newsom, Ethan’s former partner and lover, advises him to stop his search for the truth, saying, “You could have an amazing life here” (106). However, Ethan’s pursuit of the truth never falters.