The main protagonist and first-person narrator of Crenshaw, Jackson has just completed fourth grade when the story begins. Jackson is an aspiring scientist who describes himself as preferring facts over stories. He collects facts like talismans and tends to recite them when he feels that he is losing control, whether emotionally or over life in general. Asserting that he does not like to be lied to, Jackson is proud to have unmasked the man dressed as the Easter Bunny at the mall (though it cost him a free candy) and to have revealed the secret behind a magician’s trick.

At the same time, Jackson is imaginative, suggesting some part of him recognizes that imagination can provide emotional release and comfort. This is clear through his ability to conjure Crenshaw, his imaginary friend. Crenshaw is nothing like Jackson’s public persona. He is a human-sized cat who can ride the minivan roof, surf, skateboard, do cartwheels, and stand on his head. The two things he shares in common with Jackson is a love of purple jelly beans and truth.

Jackson’s narrative implies that his family was financially stable until his first-grade year.