Jason Bourne is a fictional character created by author Robert Ludlum. He first appeared in the novel "The Bourne Identity," published in 1980. Bourne is a former CIA operative suffering from amnesia, trying to uncover his true identity while being pursued by assassins and government agents. The character has been adapted into a successful film series, starting with "The Bourne Identity" in 2002, starring Matt Damon. The films are known for their intense action sequences and complex plots, exploring themes of identity, betrayal, and the consequences of espionage.