Santiago is an old fisherman who has prevailed over the challenges of his life largely by outlasting them. His willingness to persist, despite pain, exhaustion, and doubt, win him a great prize, and his resilience helps him get through the nightmare that follows. Santiago’s stubborn refusal to quit, whether he wins or loses, is what matters.

As a young sailor, Santiago engaged in arm-wrestling contests. His strength and stamina—he could compete for 24 hours straight—helped him overcome the most powerful dockside opponents. In his old age, Santiago rows out onto the ocean 84 days in a row without catching anything worth selling. He is regarded as unlucky, or “salao,” by his village, and his first mate’s father moves the boy to another man’s boat, yet Santiago continues to fish. On the 85th day, he hooks the largest marlin anyone has ever heard of. This months-long persistence, though, is just the prelude to the titanic battle he must face.

The marlin tows Santiago’s skiff far out to sea, and the old man holds onto the fishing line with just the right amount of tension for two days and two nights without letup.