"... arise From death, you numberless infinities
Of souls, and to your 
scattered bodies go..."
-- John Donne
 

Physically, he is a dark caucasian, almost Arabic.  He can seamlessly envelop himself in many disparate cultures.  Within weeks of becoming a member of any human culture, Burton will speak the language flawlessly and have intimate knowledge of the local customs.  He is very worldly and is constantly compelled by wanderlust.  He's a can-do type of guy, a real-life Indiana Jones.  He is also known for being a sort of hot head, and will never shy away from a fight. 

Burton was the man character of the novel series.  He is most likely to be the main character of the show, though the producers might opt for an American adventurer rather than a British one.