Wonder characters

Also known as Auggie

Appears from the start

A ten-year-old boy born with severe facial differences who has been taught at home until fifth grade. Auggie is bright, funny, and absorbed by space and Star Wars, but he knows that strangers stare at him and dreads becoming the object of attention at school. He wants the ordinary friendships and independence other children take for granted.

Also known as Via

Appears from the start

Auggie's older sister, usually called Via. She loves him fiercely but has grown accustomed to family life revolving around his medical needs. As she begins high school, she wants room to form an identity that is not defined by being Auggie's sister.

First appears in chapter 2

Auggie and Via's warm, protective mother. She has educated Auggie at home and supported him through repeated operations, but now believes that attending school will help him grow beyond the safe world of his family.

First appears in chapter 5

Auggie and Via's affectionate father, who uses humor to steady the family. He is more reluctant than Isabel to send Auggie to school because he fears the cruelty their son may encounter there.

First appears in chapter 6

The friendly principal of Beecher Prep. He arranges Auggie's admission and asks three pupils to show him around before term begins. His informality helps Auggie feel less intimidated by the new school.

First appears in chapter 8

One of the Beecher Prep pupils chosen to welcome Auggie. Jack is easygoing and initially treats the school tour as an obligation, but he also appears more willing than most classmates to sit with Auggie and speak to him normally.

First appears in chapter 8

A poised, helpful Beecher Prep pupil who joins the pre-term tour. Charlotte is polite to Auggie and carefully explains school routines, though her manner remains more formal than friendly.

First appears in chapter 8

A confident Beecher Prep pupil assigned to Auggie's welcome tour. His questions and jokes repeatedly focus on Auggie's appearance, signaling hostility beneath a surface of good manners.

First appears in chapter 15

Auggie's English teacher and homeroom teacher at Beecher Prep. He begins each month with a precept for the class to consider and makes kindness a practical standard for how pupils should treat one another.

First appears in chapter 18

A girl in Auggie's grade who chooses to sit with him at lunch when he is alone. Her conversation is relaxed and sincere, offering companionship without making him feel like a charitable project.

First appears in chapter 36

Via's former best friend, recently returned from summer camp with a new appearance and new social circle. Her sudden distance leaves Via grieving a friendship that once made Miranda almost part of the Pullman family.

First appears in chapter 74

Via's thoughtful boyfriend from her new high school. He plays the fiddle, writes without capital letters, and is nervous about meeting her family because Via has told him little about Auggie.

First appears in chapter 12

The Pullmans' elderly dog, a comforting presence in a family often under stress. Daisy is especially close to Auggie and provides affection without noticing or judging his face.