Jurgis Rudkus is the main character in Upton Sinclair's novel, "The Jungle." He is a Lithuanian immigrant who moves to Chicago in search of a better life for himself and his family. Jurgis works in the meatpacking industry, facing harsh working conditions and exploitation. As the story progresses, Jurgis experiences numerous hardships, including poverty, illness, and the loss of loved ones. His struggles highlight the challenges faced by immigrants in early 20th-century America, as well as the broader issues of labor rights and social justice.