Wonder
"When given the choice between being right or being kind, choose kind."
"When given the choice between being right or being kind, choose kind."
Characters
Main protagonist in Wonder.
"They say I must be one of the wonders of god's own
creation and as far as they can see they can offer no
explanation" —NATALIE MERCHANT, "Wonder"
Auggie was born with a profound facial deformity. Despite being just ten years old, he resides in a family that is brimming with love. Auggie possesses remarkable intelligence, maturity, humor, and kindness, yet he grapples with the way people react to his appearance.
However, as the story unfolds, he manages to earn the respect of others through his unwavering kindness and relentless efforts to conquer social challenges.
Older sister of August.
Far above the world Planet Earth is blue. And there's nothing I can do — David Bowie, "Space Oddity"
Via, short for Olivia Pullman, is the older sister of the main character, August. She is portrayed as a compassionate, understanding, and resilient teenager who is 16 years old, and she plays a significant role in the narrative. Via's character is characterized by her unwavering love and support for Auggie.
Throughout the novel, Via undergoes a transformation, where she realizes her own value and embraces her uniqueness. She finds comfort in her friendships, especially with a classmate named Justin, who becomes her romantic interest. Via's journey in "Wonder" serves as a reminder that even those who appear strong can have their own insecurities and require support and empathy.
Justin Hollander, Via's boyfriend, comes from a divorced family but remains one of Auggie's closest friends. He exhibits genuine care and consideration towards Via, treating her exceptionally well. In addition, Justin possesses a strong sense of justice, helping Auggie overcome the challenges of school.
His charming appearance and personal allure captivated Via from the moment they met. Justin's talents extend to playing the violin, and his remarkable acting skills earned him thunderous applause during a school performance.
Main character in Wonder, Via's boyfriend.
Sometimes I think my head is so big because it is so full
of dreams. —John Merrick in Bernard Pomerance's The Elephant Man
Main character in Wonder, one of August's best friends.
Now here is my secret. It is very simple. It is only with one's heart that one can see clearly. What is essential is invisible to the eye. —Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, The Little Prince
Jack Will is an average-looking boy with light brown hair and warm hazel eyes. He is well-known for his friendly and outgoing nature, and his genuine and kind-hearted personality shines through. His sense of humor never fails to bring laughter to those around him.
As the story unfolds, Jack undergoes significant character growth, learning valuable lessons about acceptance, kindness, and friendship. He becomes an indispensable companion on August's journey, playing a pivotal role in supporting and guiding him.
Summer is characterized as a girl with a kind-hearted and empathetic nature, consistently striving to ensure the comfort of those around her. She is recognized for her long, wavy brown hair that complements her radiant smile. Unlike certain classmates who exhibit hesitation in engaging with August due to his appearance, Summer promptly surpasses such superficial judgments and extends her friendship towards him. She exemplifies compassion and understanding, actively including August in group activities and standing up for him against bullies. Summer's authentic and nurturing disposition significantly influences the development of the story's narrative.
Main character in Wonder, one of August's first and best friends.
You are beautiful no matter what they say Words can't bring you down You are beautiful in every single way Yes, words can't bring you down —Christina Aguilera, "Beautiful"
Main character in Wonder.
I forgot that I might see So many beautiful things I forgot that I might need To find out what life could bring —Andain, "Beautiful Things"
Miranda plays a supporting role in the novel Wonder. She is Via's best friend and shares a close bond with Auggie. Miranda's character is complex, as she grapples with her own family issues and struggles with her identity. Desperate for attention, she lacks confidence and resorts to fabricating details about her family background during summer camp. While she initially seeks a sense of identity and attention by emulating Via, this leads to a rift between them. However, as the story unfolds, Miranda ultimately demonstrates love, kindness, and support for both Auggie and Via. Through her experiences, Miranda undergoes a transformative journey, learning valuable life lessons about friendship, empathy, and the consequences of her actions.
Main antagonist in Wonder.
Juliant exhibits contrasting behavior when faced with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Initially, he befriends Auggie but eventually becomes the instigator of the bullying against him. Julian symbolizes individuals who lack empathy towards the marginalized in society.
However, the novel also emphasizes that not everyone is like Julian; they have the potential to change, as seen with Julian's friends.
As the story progresses, they distance themselves from Julian's negative influence and genuinely befriend Auggie, no longer looking down upon those who are disadvantaged. Julian's character serves as a cautionary tale, underscoring the significance of empathy, understanding, and the repercussions of harmful actions.