Boone Carlyle

Lore & Background

Boone is born on October 2, 1981 to Sabrina Carlyle. When he turns ten, his mother marries Adam Rutherford, making him the stepbrother of eight-year-old Shannon. He works as an assistant at his mother's wedding company in New York City. On the island, he unsuccessfully attempts CPR on a drowning woman named Joanna, claiming lifeguard training. He grows close to John Locke, acting as his apprentice while keeping their discovery of a metal hatch secret from other survivors. Locke subjects Boone to a hallucinatory exercise that helps him resolve his feelings for Shannon, showing her being attacked by a monster. Forty-one days after the crash, Boone and Locke find a Beechcraft plane stuck in a tree; Boone climbs aboard, finds a radio, and sends a mayday signal before the plane falls. He sustains severe injuries and dies on November 2, 2004, attempting to pass a message to Shannon through Jack. In the alternate timeline, he survives the crash only to be part of the afterlife reunion in the church.

In Their Own Story

Boone harbors a romantic attraction to his stepsister Shannon. He rescues her from abusive relationships by paying boyfriends to leave, but eventually discovers these are scams she concocted for money and attention in Sydney, Australia. Despite this deception, they have sex before boarding Oceanic Airlines Flight 815. On the island, Boone maintains a protective attitude toward Shannon, criticizing her affectedness and showing jealousy when she develops feelings for Sayid Jarrah. He distances himself from other survivors to focus on Locke's survival skills. While trying to lead, he steals camp water in a plan that backfires. When suspecting Sawyer has Shannon's medicine, he attempts to steal it. His quick decisions are often rash, such as his failed attempt to save drowning Joanna Miller on day six.

Reader's Guide

Boone arrives on the island determined to help and protect Shannon. He joins early efforts like sending a distress call and searching for abducted Claire Littleton. His relationship with John Locke is central; Locke acts as a father figure, and Boone trusts his guidance more than others'. Boone reflects Locke's desire for purpose and belief in the unlikely. Although initially helpful, his actions sometimes prove counterproductive to survival. He dies on November 2, 2004, after crashing from a plane he climbed to send a signal. In the alternate timeline, he helps bring Shannon and Sayid together before reuniting with them in the church.

Did You Know?

• Boone was originally named 'Boone Anthony Markham V' and nicknamed 'Five' in early scripts.
• Ian Somerhalder did not want to shoot a pilot until he learned J. J. Abrams would be the co-creator.
• Boone's death on November 2, 2004, was the first major character death in the series.
• In the alternate timeline, Boone conspired with Hurley to stage a fake psychic scheme so Shannon and Sayid would meet.