The Wave characters

Appears from the start

A popular history teacher at Gordon High School who is troubled when his class cannot understand why ordinary Germans allowed Nazism to grow. He devises a classroom exercise in discipline to make the appeal of collective obedience tangible, initially treating it as a short experiment he can control.

Appears from the start

A thoughtful, successful student in Ben Ross's history class and editor in chief of the school newspaper, The Gordon Grapevine. She is independent-minded, close to Amy, and dating David, though she is willing to challenge people she cares about when their certainty troubles her.

Appears from the start

Laurie's boyfriend, a capable student and member of the football team. He wants the team to overcome its lack of unity and is receptive to methods that promise cooperation and shared purpose.

Appears from the start

Laurie's close friend and a high-achieving student in the history class. Amy is often compared with Laurie and welcomes a system that seems to reduce the social and academic competition between them.

Appears from the start

An isolated, poorly regarded student who usually sits apart and is treated as the class failure. The new classroom discipline gives him a place in the group and the first strong sense of belonging and competence he has known at school.

Appears from the start

A football player and friend of David who is interested in applying the history class's new emphasis on discipline to the struggling team.

First appears in chapter 2

Ben's wife and a teacher at the same school. She knows his tendency to become absorbed in new teaching ideas and offers an outside view as the classroom exercise begins occupying more of his attention.

First appears in chapter 2

Gordon High's principal, responsible for the school beyond any one classroom. He initially gives Ben professional latitude but expects an explanation when the teacher's experiment becomes visible throughout the school.

Appears from the start

A member of the Grapevine staff who works with Laurie on the student newspaper and helps turn concern about the new movement into a published response.

Appears from the start

A Grapevine staff member known for a less serious manner than Laurie. He joins the newspaper's effort to examine what is happening among the students.

First appears in chapter 7

Laurie's father, who hears about the movement at home and is initially impressed by reports that it is improving discipline and motivation at school.

First appears in chapter 7

Laurie's mother, who is wary of the pressure to conform and listens seriously when her daughter begins questioning the movement's effects.