Ethan's relationship with Claire is more complex and driven by a combination of factors:
* Protection: He feels a responsibility to protect Claire and Aaron, seeing them as vulnerable outsiders in the jungle. He even helps Claire escape from the Others who are hunting her.
* Curiosity: Ethan is fascinated by the outside world and Claire represents that world for him. He is eager to learn about her life and experiences.
* Sympathy: Ethan feels sorry for Claire's situation and her struggles with the Others. He empathizes with her fear and loneliness.
* Aversion to the Others: Ethan has a strong aversion to the Others and their brutal ways. He sees Claire as a victim of their cruelty and wants to help her.
Ethan's motives are not entirely clear, but they are driven by a desire to protect Claire and a fascination with her connection to the outside world. He develops a genuine friendship with her, which is challenged by the hostility of the Others and the complexities of life on the island.