Jess Aarons is a fictional character from the novel "Bridge to Terabithia" by Katherine Paterson. He is an imaginative and sensitive boy who loves to draw and dreams of being the fastest runner in his rural Virginia school. Jess struggles with his family dynamics and feels isolated from his peers. In the story, Jess forms a deep friendship with Leslie Burke, a new girl who introduces him to the magical world of Terabithia, a place they create together. Their bond helps Jess grow emotionally, teaching him about friendship, loss, and the power of imagination.