Temperance Brennan

Living... with skeletons. Not in her closet – literal skeletons. Dr. Brennan travels the world identifying victims of genocide from the bones they leave behind. When she’s in the States, she lives in Washington D.C., helping the FBI with murder cases.

Profession... forensic anthropologist at the Jeffersonian Institute and all-around badass. That means she can learn about a crime from the remains of the victim and use her martial arts skills on anyone who gets in her way: serial killer, homeland security agent, federal judge, whoever.

Interests… writing, hunting, learning. Brennan is a master of many trades, but most impressively, she has made it to the New York Times Bestseller list multiple times for her crime fiction novels. In her author photo she poses with, what else, a human skull. 

Relationship Status... single and too busy to settle down into a long-term relationship. But she has undeniable chemistry with FBI agent Seeley Booth, the charming federal liaison to the Jeffersonian Institute. They trade barbs and put-downs while they figure out cases, but they often get distracted trying to figure each other out.

Challenge... solving some of the most gruesome, difficult cases the FBI has to offer. When no one can identify a dead and often hideously disfigured body, it’s up to Bones to solve the case. But that means being thrust into the dark, twisted worlds of serial killers, and sometimes Brennan has to wield a weapon herself to avoid being a skeleton for someone else to find.        

Personality... brilliant, emotionally distant, no-nonsense, tough, and fearless. Dr. B doesn’t always play well with others – especially when they’re talking about pop culture, a field she just hasn’t had time to explore. She frequently says, “I don’t know what that means” when Booth brings up references like the X-Files or Lenny Kravitz. But when she’s in her element, no one is more focused and quick-thinking than Brennan.