The Bourne Identity -

Whether you're diving into Robert Ludlum's original 1980 novel or the high-octane 2002 film starring Matt Damon, here is your essential guide to The Bourne Identity .

The protagonist, an amnesiac who eventually learns he is a highly trained black-ops assassin for a program called Treadstone . The Bourne Identity

The ruthless CIA operative in charge of Treadstone who views Bourne as a "malfunctioning $30 million weapon". Whether you're diving into Robert Ludlum's original 1980

A traveler who helps Bourne for money but quickly becomes his primary ally and love interest. A traveler who helps Bourne for money but

A man is pulled from the Mediterranean Sea with two bullet wounds and no memory of his past. His only clue is a Swiss bank account number embedded in his hip. As he attempts to piece together his identity, he discovers he possesses extraordinary combat and linguistic skills, all while being hunted by professional assassins.