If there is anyone who has changed a lot over the five years on Outlander, it's Jamie. It wasn't just Claire's life that was changed when she fell through the stones, the Scotsman's life was too. After all, he was thrown when his wife announced that she was from the future and was happily married to another man.
After this revelation, Jamie began to change his beliefs and became very open-minded to Claire's discussions. However, there have also been some bad habits that he just couldn't shake. Even five years later. Want some examples? Keep reading to discover the 5 ways Jamie has changed since season 1 and the 5 ways he hasn't.
Changed: His Beliefs And Customs
One aspect of Jamie's personality that has changed is his customs and beliefs. When fans were first introduced to Jamie in season 1, he was accustomed to Scotland's eighteenth-century ways. He wouldn't allow Laoghaire to be flogged because he was worried he would ruin her reputation.
Jamie beat Claire for disobeying and he hated it when she undermined his position as Laird of Lallybroch. However, he began to change after Claire revealed the truth about her origins. Jamie has never tried to force her to be his dutiful wife nor has he undermined her decisions. He has even allowed her to accompany him on the battlefield. Slowly but surely, Jamie is ditching his original customs.
Same: Family-Orientated
One of the fans' favorite things about Jamie is how family-orientated he is. No matter what happens or how old he gets, Jamie has unwavering loyalty to his family. This was evident in season 1 when he protected Jenny and Claire from Jack Randall and when he fostered Fergus in season 2.
Fast forward 20 years and he has become the Patriarch of clan Fraser-Mackenzie. Jamie has also shown that he would put his life on the line for his family and would do whatever he could to see them happy. Even if it does take him a while to come around to the idea.
Changed: A Lot More Selfish
Since there has been a 20-year time jump, characters are bound to grow and change. Sometimes it's not always for the best - as evident by Jamie's journey from season 3 onwards. When fans first met Jamie, he was one of the most selfless individuals you would ever meet.
He sacrificed himself to protect Claire and Jenny from Randall, told Claire to go through the stones to save Brianna, and gave up his son to protect him from scandal. However, since Claire and Brianna have returned to him, he has become a lot more selfish and wants them around all the time. But who can blame him? He deserves to have a happy ending as well.
Same: Still Reckless
One thing that hasn't changed with Jamie is that he is still as reckless as ever. One of Jamie's weaknesses is that he is quite irrational and spontaneous at times - which tends to put his family and friends in danger. When fans first met the Scotsman, he was a wanted fugitive and was seeking sanctuary on clan MacKenzies' land.
When he returns to Lallybroch, he also puts Jenny and Ian in danger as they could be killed if they are found harboring a fugitive. 20 years later and he's still pulling these reckless stunts - dragging Fergus into his smuggling business and encouraging a mutiny. Let's hope he starts thinking with his brain more than his heart.
Changed: Not As Responsible
A major trait that has changed since season 1 is how Jamie has stopped taking responsibility for his actions. Although the Scotsman is still as reckless as ever, at least he used to accept responsibility for his actions. When he broke into Fort William, he made sure it didn't fall back on clan MacKenzie. When Laoghaire was to be flogged, Jamie also took that punishment because it was his fault.
However, as the seasons have progressed, Jamie has started blaming others for his actions. An example of this being in season 4, where he beat up Roger for attacking Bree and then blamed Claire for his actions. Let's also not forget how he went to attack Roger again because he blamed the historian for Brianna's rape.
Same: His Hot-Headedness
The most obvious entry of what has stayed the same in Jamie has to be his temper. Every fan knows that Jamie is a man of action than a man of words. He thinks more with his fists than with his head. Sometimes this method has been advantageous as it has got him and Claire out of some sticky situations (e.g. the witch trials, Fort William).
However, his temper has also got him in a lot of trouble. Remember how horrible he was to Brianna in "The Deep Heart's Core?" Or how he spitefully refused to give Fergus and Marsali his blessing because they wouldn't do what he wanted? ("Heaven and Earth"). His anger issues don't seem to be going anytime soon...
Changed: His Morals
One of the more subtle changes to Jamie's personality has to be how his morals have changed. This could be because of his relationship with Claire or it's because he's realized nothing is as black and white as he has believed.
For instance, in "Free Will," Jamie took the moral high ground when he committed a mercy-killing for a devious criminal. This is the complete opposite to the Jamie fans met in season 1, who wouldn't have hesitated to put a bullet the man's eyes for the crimes he committed - never mind allow Claire to attend to his wounds. However, the way Jamie handled the situation proved why he is 1000x better than the monster who lay on the table.
Same: His Bravery
There's no doubt that Jamie's bravery hasn't wavered over the five years we've watched the show. The man has been put through so many ordeals and traumas, yet, he has still managed to stand tall by the end of it. Remember when Randall was smug when he thought he broke his spirit at Wentworth Prison?
Look at him now. Jamie managed to overcome this trauma and lead the Jacobites into the Battle of Culloden. He managed to survive this and was then forced to endure a 20-year prison sentence at Helwater. Let's not forget the shipwreck and the upcoming battles. Jamie Fraser is the bravest man you will ever see on TV.
Changed: A Natural Leader
Another major character development fans will be able to see is Jamie's rise to power. In season 1, Claire found out that Jamie was destined to become the next Laird of Castle Leoch. However, Jamie didn't want the position as he knew that his leadership could split the clan. He also knew that he wasn't ready for the role.
However, fans have gradually seen Jamie become a natural leader. He led the men in the Battle of Prestonpans and Culloden, has become the Proprietor of Fraser Ridge and is now planning of leading a militia in the fight against the Regulators. Jamie was born for the role.
Same: His Love For Claire
It's probably the most obvious entry on the list but the one thing that has remained the same is Jamie's unwavering love for Claire. It wasn't exactly your conventional romance as Jamie and Claire's marriage was one born out of inconvenience. However, since this day, there has been no other woman for the Scotsman.
One of the most endearing elements of their relationship was how Jamie would move heaven and earth to make sure she is happy. He jumped to protect her during the witch trials, sacrificed himself to Randall in exchange for her freedom and let Claire go so she could live a fulfilled life with Frank. Let's not forget how he jumped into an eye of the storm to rescue her from drowning. Whatever you feel about Jamie, you can't deny that Claire makes him better.