The Giver Characters
The main characters of The Giver include Jonas, the Giver, Gabriel, and Jonas’s father.
- Jonas is a sensitive, thoughtful boy chosen to become the Receiver of Memory.
- The Giver is the elderly former Receiver of Memory who becomes Jonas’s mentor and confidant. He transfers memories of the past and of “Elsewhere,” the outside world, to Jonas.
- Gabriel is a baby boy scheduled to be “released,” or euthanized.
- Jonas’s father is a Nurturer, tasked with caring for infants before they are either assigned families or “released.”
Jonas
Jonas, the main character of the novel, unlike his friend Asher, is careful about language. He searches for the right words to describe his feelings. The opening of the book establishes him as age eleven, apprehensive about the approaching December, when the annual Ceremony will be held and Assignments will be given to all those in his year group.
He gets on reasonably well with his peers and has friends of both sexes (Asher and Fiona). But he feels different. Physically he has pale eyes, whereas nearly everybody else has brown eyes. Other eleven-year-olds are able to predict their likely Assignments, which are chosen on the basis of observed inclinations and aptitudes. Jonas has developed no special interest (he visits the House of the Old only to be with Fiona, who is dedicated to her work there) and has no idea what the Elders will consider him cut out to become—hence his apprehensiveness.
Apart from this, Jonas conforms well. He shares his family's distaste for Isaac, the clumsy and untidy boy who lives next door. Numbered Nineteen in his year group, Jonas has a long wait at the Ceremony, while the lower numbers receive their Assignments. All are given predictable and aptly chosen tasks in life. His nervousness mounts. The tension (both for Jonas and for the reader) becomes almost unbearable when the Chief Elder skips Jonas's number. His is the last Assignment to be announced. It is entirely unexpected and hugely daunting; Jonas has been selected as the next Receiver of Memory.
As such he has to spend many hours every day in the company of an old man who is the current holder of Memories. The old man calls himself The Giver. In the course of their sessions, Jonas's eyes are opened to many things—initially wonderful, pleasurable things, then increasingly painful things. Eventually he sees that the Community is based on cruel falsehoods—none more cruel than the ceremony of Release, which turns out to be the application of a lethal injection. He watches a video of his father dispatching one of two twins in this way, and he and the Giver plan an escape.
The planned escape has to be put in motion prematurely, so that Jonas can save the young child, Gabriel. They flee the community together and in the final pages of the book struggle through harsh terrain and elements, finally sledding down a snowy slope towards twinkling, colored lights. The book ends with readers having to make up their own minds whether Jonas and Gabriel survive, and if so in what kind of environment.
Expert Q&A
In The Giver, how did Jonas react to the children's war game?
Jonas reacts with distress to the children's war game because he understands the true nature of war from the Giver's memories. He pleads with the children to stop, recalling traumatic experiences of death and suffering. Unlike the other children, who see it as just a game, Jonas is overwhelmed by sadness and ultimately walks away, unable to participate.
In The Giver, where does Jonas display intelligence, integrity, courage, and wisdom?
In The Giver, Jonas shows intelligence by understanding how his community functions and exercising perspective during the ritual sharing of feelings. He demonstrates integrity by apologizing for his minor transgressions and challenging his community's oppressive culture. Jonas demonstrates wisdom by recognizing the negatives of Sameness and displays courage by rescuing Gabriel. He courageously flees the community with Gabriel and embarks on the treacherous journey to Elsewhere.
In The Giver, do Jonas's parents truly not love him?
When Jonas asks his parents if they love him, they act amused and remind him to use precise language. Jonas's mother says she "enjoys" him, while his father says he is proud of his accomplishments. Considering that Sameness has made strong emotions obsolete, one could argue that Jonas's parents don't actually love him, because they have no concept of love. They are too ignorant, shallow, and insensitive to love anything and do not experience strong emotions.
How does Jonas feel after receiving the snow and sledding memory?
After receiving the snow and sledding memory, Jonas feels exhilarated and delighted by the new sensations of cold air, snowflakes, and the thrill of sledding. This experience marks his first understanding of memories and highlights his growing detachment from others in his community, as he now comprehends concepts unknown to them, such as snow and hills.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of change for Jonas and his community?
Change in Jonas's community offers both advantages and disadvantages. The benefits include the ability for individuals to make independent decisions, experience emotions like love and joy, and live more fulfilling lives. However, these changes also introduce potential instability, social issues such as poverty and violence, and a greater risk of chaos. The loss of Sameness could lead to political instability and economic challenges, as citizens navigate newfound freedoms and responsibilities.
In The Giver, what happens when Jonas tries to transmit a memory to Lily?
When Jonas attempts to transmit a memory to Lily, he fails because she lacks the "Capacity to See Beyond." Unlike Gabriel, who shares this ability and can receive memories, Lily is not biologically related to Jonas and does not have the light-colored eyes that signify this capacity. Jonas's inability to share memories with Lily highlights his growing differences from the rest of the community, as he possesses unique feelings and understandings others cannot share.
Why is Jonas skipped at the Ceremony of Assignments and how does he feel?
Jonas is skipped at the Ceremony of Assignments because he has been selected for a special role as the Receiver-in-training, rather than a typical assignment. Initially, he feels stunned, confused, and embarrassed, fearing he has done something wrong. It is only later that the Chief Elder explains his unique selection, alleviating his anxiety.
In The Giver, what bond did Jonas share with Gabriel?
Jonas and Gabriel share a unique bond due to their Capacity to See Beyond and their pale-colored eyes, setting them apart in their community. Jonas feels an immediate connection with Gabriel, who is later revealed to be his genetic brother. This bond deepens when Jonas accidentally transmits memories to Gabriel, and ultimately, Jonas's love for Gabriel drives him to rescue Gabriel from being released.
In The Giver, why did Jonas risk public chastisement for taking an apple?
Jonas risked public chastisement by taking an apple because he was curious about a change he noticed while playing catch with it. The apple appeared to change in midair, which intrigued him. Later, Jonas learns from The Giver that he has the ability to "see beyond," specifically seeing the color red, which is unique in his colorless society. This ability marks him as a suitable candidate for becoming the Receiver.
How does Jonas help Gabriel sleep in The Giver and why is it important?
Jonas helps Gabriel sleep by transferring memories to him, indicating that Gabriel is also a potential Receiver. This connection, marked by their shared pale eyes and ability to "See Beyond," is crucial. Jonas inadvertently becomes a Giver, cementing a bond with Gabriel. When Gabriel is threatened with release, Jonas's love and attachment compel him to flee with Gabriel, highlighting the importance of emotions and the need to restore them to their community.
The Giver
The Giver is fair-eyed, like Jonas, and like the previous Receiver, a girl called Rosemary. The Giver claims Rosemary as his daughter.
In her Newbery acceptance speech, Lowry talked about a painter she had met in 1979, while working on an article for a magazine. Something fascinated Lowry about the painter's face, especially his eyes. "Later I hear that he has become blind. I think about him—his name is Carl Nelson—from time to time. His photograph hangs over my desk. I wonder what it was like for him to lose the colors about which he was so impassioned. I wish, in a whimsical way, that he could have somehow magically given me the capacity to see the way he did." (Lowry's photograph of Carl Nelson was used on the front cover of the first American edition of the novel.)
The Giver, who describes himself as not as old as he looks, provides just such a magical transfer of powers. He has been made tired by the burden of knowledge and memories, the assimilation and storage of which have consumed his life. As soon as Jonas meets him (in Chapter 10), The Giver is at pains to point out that it is not the memory of nostalgia—not the recollections of childhood normally indulged in by the old—that he must transmit. "It's the memories of the whole world."
His apartment is book-lined, at first giving the impression that The Giver's knowledge is professorial, and that the relationship between him and Jonas will be one of sage and student. But this impression is quickly undermined when The Giver announces that he is going to transmit the memory of snow. This involves a ritualistic laying on of hands and an extra-sensory simulation of the sensation of cold.
After similar transmissions, both pleasurable and painful, The Giver concludes his education of Jonas in a very different fashion. He shows him a videotape recording of a "Release," and then, clearly having become opposed to the community himself, helps Jonas plan an escape.
Expert Q&A
What is The Giver's favorite memory?
The Giver's favorite memory is a family gathering together to celebrate Christmas. The Giver shares this memory with Jonas in chapter 16, and Jonas experiences the feeling of love for the first time as the extended family opens their presents together.
Why, according to the Giver, would having a spouse be difficult for Jonas?
Having a spouse would be difficult for Jonas because he experiences emotions like love, which others in his community do not understand. His role as Receiver demands secrecy about his memories and emotions, creating a barrier with a potential spouse. Living in a community that suppresses feelings would result in a mentally isolating relationship for Jonas, who desires genuine emotional connections. Additionally, raising children would conflict with his values and awareness of the community's flaws.
Why is the relationship between Jonas and the Giver dangerous?
The relationship between Jonas and the Giver is dangerous because it fosters emotions in a society that suppresses them. Unlike other community relationships, which are devoid of love and feelings, Jonas and the Giver share a bond akin to a father-son relationship, based on love and mutual respect. The Giver teaches Jonas to feel emotions like love, fear, and hunger, making him unique in a society of sameness, which poses a threat to the community's stability.
Why doesn't the Giver accompany Jonas?
The Giver does not accompany Jonas because he believes the community needs his help to cope with the overwhelming memories that Jonas's departure will release. He feels a duty to guide them through the changes and provide wisdom during this critical time. Additionally, the Giver is too old and weak to undertake the journey and prefers to stay, looking forward to reuniting with his deceased daughter.
What does the Giver tell Jonas about his personal family life in chapters 12 or 13?
In Chapter 13, the Giver explains to Jonas that he is allowed to have a spouse, and indeed he once did, but she now lives with the "Childless Adults." The Giver reveals that having a spouse is challenging for a Receiver because they cannot share much about their work, including books and daily experiences. This lack of sharing creates a life that is likely to be isolated and lonely, emphasizing the burdens of Jonas's future role.
Why was the Giver an appropriate choice for the Receiver's role?
The Giver was an appropriate choice for the Receiver's role because he possessed essential qualities such as intelligence, integrity, courage, and the Capacity to See Beyond, making him well-suited to endure the demanding process of receiving memories. He was willing to abide by strict rules and manage painful memories to guide the community. His sense of honor and ability to absorb and contain the community's pain and knowledge were crucial for his role as Receiver.
In Lois Lowry's The Giver, why does the Giver advise Jonas to avoid the river?
The Giver advises Jonas to avoid the river because if Jonas were to die, the memories he holds would flood back to the community, causing chaos and suffering. This concern stems from the experience with the previous Receiver, Rosemary, whose release led to the community being overwhelmed by memories. Although Jonas reassures him of his swimming skills, the Giver's warning underscores the potential consequences of Jonas's accidental death.
Why is the old Receiver referred to as the Giver?
The old Receiver is called the Giver because he no longer receives memories; instead, he transfers them to Jonas, the new Receiver. This change in role highlights a community vulnerability: only one Receiver exists at a time, making the society dependent on a single individual for memory retention. The Giver's transition to a mentoring role underscores the importance of his position and the potential risk if he had died without passing on his knowledge.
The Giver's Mood Analysis
The mood in the early chapters of The Giver is one of nervous anticipation, as Jonas awaits the Ceremony of Twelve. This mood contrasts with the comforting predictability of his life, marked by a nurturing family environment and a gentle reassurance from his parents. As the story progresses to chapters 15 and 16, the mood shifts to melancholy and perplexing. Jonas experiences the horrors of war and the warmth of love, leading him to question his community's values and begin rebelling against its rules.
Character Analysis of The Giver
The Giver, a key character in The Giver, is portrayed as an old, wise, and patient man, burdened by the memories of the community. His pale eyes distinguish him from others, symbolizing his unique role as the Receiver of Memory. Despite his wisdom, he is cynical about the society's "Sameness" and lives a reclusive life. The weight of his responsibilities causes physical and emotional strain, making him appear older and more weary than his years.
Gabriel
One of the children being "nurtured" by Jonas's father is not putting on weight. The boy is in danger of being declared "inadequate" and hence being set aside for "release." The father's concern is genuine. He secretly discovers the name that has been allotted to the child (Number Thirty-six in his year group), and uses it prior to the naming ceremony, hoping it will help the little fellow's development. In Chapter 3 Jonas's father actually brings the baby home at night, together with the child's comfort object (a hippo), and later he successfully lobbies for "Gabe" to be granted an additional year of nurturing.
Gabriel is pale-eyed. Although Jonas is also pale-eyed, this is a rarity in the Community. There is a suggestion that the two of them may have shared the same birth-mother. Certainly a fraternal bond develops between them, especially after Jonas offers to let Gabriel sleep in his room, so that he can be the one to comfort him in the night, if necessary, his Mother and Father having become worn out.
On being transferred for a trial night back to the Nurturing Center, Gabriel cries inconsolably, and it is decided he shall, after all, be "released." This announcement, at a family evening meal, forces Jonas to bring forward his planned escape. He races away from the community on his Father's bike, with Gabriel in the child-seat on the back.
Expert Q&A
Concerns about Gabriel's Nighttime Fretfulness in The Giver
In The Giver, Gabriel's nighttime fretfulness causes concern because it signifies his struggle to adapt to the community's strict routines. These difficulties prompt the community to consider Gabriel for release, highlighting the society's intolerance for deviations from the norm and foreshadowing the protagonist's growing awareness of the community's underlying issues.
Jonas's Father
Jonas’s father, a Nurturer, works with infants like Gabriel, displaying a gentle and caring demeanor. While he is often portrayed as a sympathetic character concerned for his charges, his role in the community's system of Release reveals a more disturbing side. He tends to describe the process of Release vaguely and euphemistically to Jonas. Jonas becomes profoundly disillusioned with his father upon discovering that he is, in fact, euthanizing children, a revelation that deeply impacts Jonas's perception of his father and their society.
Expert Q&A
How would you describe Jonas's father's physical traits, inner desires, and important characteristics in The Giver?
Jonas's father in The Giver is gentle, supportive, and compassionate, but also reflects the community's emotional detachment. As a Nurturer, he cares for children and displays a special fondness for Gabriel, whom he brings home to prevent his release. However, his actions, like performing releases without remorse, reveal a disturbing indifference to human life, highlighting the community's inability to form genuine emotional attachments.
Fiona
Fiona is one of Jonas's closest friends, assigned as the Caretaker of the Old due to her serene and gentle nature. Spending much of her volunteer time in the House of the Old, Fiona becomes intimately familiar with the concept of Release, a practice she accepts as part of her duties. She unknowingly triggers Jonas’s "Stirrings," or early signs of sexual attraction, with her red hair, which also highlights Jonas's capacity to "see beyond." Despite her closeness to Jonas, she adheres to the societal norms that he questions.
Expert Q&A
Fiona's physical and mental portrayal in The Giver
Fiona in The Giver is depicted as a kind and gentle girl with red hair, a rarity in her community where sameness is valued. Mentally, she is compassionate and responsible, evident in her assignment to the Caretaker of the Old, showing her nurturing nature. However, like others in the community, she lacks deep emotions and true understanding until Jonas begins to share his knowledge with her.
Rosemary
Rosemary was the Receiver of Memory before Jonas and The Giver's daughter, a fact revealed later in the story. Overwhelmed by the memories she received, she chose to be Released after only five weeks. Her decision to end her life released the memories back to the community, causing widespread confusion and pain. Her experience is viewed as a tragic failure by the community, marking a significant point in the history of the Receivers.
Expert Q&A
Rosemary's Role, Symbolism, and Significance in The Giver
In Lois Lowry's The Giver, Rosemary is a pivotal character, symbolizing remembrance and the emotional burden of memory. She was the Giver's daughter and a previous Receiver-in-Training who could not endure the painful memories of loneliness and loss, leading to her tragic suicide. Her story reveals the dangers of isolating pain and the necessity of communal memory. Rosemary's name, reminiscent of remembrance, underscores her symbolic role in highlighting the community's failings and the need for shared emotional experiences.
Rosemary's request for release and her bravery in The Giver
Rosemary's request for release in The Giver demonstrates her bravery. Faced with the overwhelming burden of painful memories, she chose to be released rather than continue to endure the suffering. Her decision highlights her courage in confronting the harsh realities of her role and making a difficult, personal choice for her own well-being.
Asher
Asher is Jonas's best friend, known for his lively, fun-loving nature and tendency to mix up words. This trait led to early disciplinary actions that failed to completely correct his speech errors. He is appointed as the Assistant Director of Recreation, a role fitting his playful personality. However, after Jonas's unique Assignment as the Receiver, a rift forms between them, particularly when Jonas objects to a war game Asher plays, unable to understand Jonas's new perspective.
Expert Q&A
Why was Asher punished for confusing 'snack' and 'smacks' in The Giver?
In The Giver, Asher was punished as a child for confusing the words "snack" and "smack" because the community values precise language. Citizens are required to use precise language at all times, and even exaggerations are prohibited. Jonas mentions that precise language is necessary to ensure that "unintentional lies were never uttered."
What does Asher's hesitation to congratulate Jonas in The Giver indicate?
Asher's hesitation to congratulate Jonas indicates the profound change in their relationship due to Jonas's selection as the Receiver of Memory. This selection sets Jonas apart in a society that values sameness, causing Asher to feel uncertain and awkward. Asher's reaction reflects the community's anxiety and confusion about Jonas's unique, prestigious role, highlighting the isolation and separation Jonas will experience as he embarks on his new assignment.
Examples of Asher's struggle with the precision of language in The Giver
Asher's struggle with the precision of language in The Giver is evident through his frequent misuse of words, such as confusing "smack" with "snack," which leads to unintended consequences. These mistakes highlight the community's emphasis on precise language and the challenges individuals face in adhering to these strict linguistic standards.
Jonas's Mother
Jonas's mother holds a significant position in the Department of Justice, reflecting the community's structured and rule-governed nature. She educates Jonas about the Stirrings and ensures he takes medication to suppress them. Her dedication to her job often seems to overshadow her familial responsibilities, as seen when she easily relinquishes the care of Gabriel to Jonas at night, prioritizing her work over domestic duties.
Expert Q&A
Jonas's Mother's Character and Emotions in The Giver
In The Giver, Jonas's mother is depicted as a responsible and law-abiding figure, holding a significant role in the Department of Justice. She balances her duties as a mother and a state official, strictly adhering to societal norms. She addresses Jonas's first Stirrings by giving him a pill to suppress these feelings, illustrating her commitment to community rules. Her emotions toward a repeat offender reveal her frustration and fear, as she feels ineffective in reforming him and fears his impending release.
Lily
Lily is Jonas's younger sister, four years his junior. Characterized by her talkative and imaginative nature, she continues to find comfort in a stuffed elephant, reflecting her innocence and the sheltered upbringing provided by their society.
Expert Q&A
What is Lily's comfort item in The Giver?
Lily's comfort item in The Giver is a stuffed elephant, which she uses for emotional support. In Jonas's community, children receive comfort objects as babies and must give them up at age eight. These objects are considered imaginary creatures, indicating the absence of real wild animals due to the community's adherence to Sameness. Once a child outgrows their comfort object, it is recycled and given to another baby.
What assignment does Lily desire in The Giver?
Lily desires the assignment of Birthmother because she finds Newchildren adorable and believes the role involves an easy and enjoyable lifestyle. However, she is unaware that after three births, Birthmothers become Laborers, performing hard physical work. Her mother disapproves, considering the role low-status and lacking honor. Lily's misconceptions stem from idealized stories about Birthmothers, not realizing the demanding reality of the position.
Does Lily's character evolve in The Giver?
Lily's character in The Giver does not evolve significantly. She remains a static character, portrayed as straightforward, talkative, and innocent. Lily is depicted as accepting societal norms without question, unlike her brother Jonas. Her interactions provide insights into the community's structure and values, but she lacks the depth or insight Jonas possesses. Despite brief moments of interest in different roles, her character does not undergo any meaningful transformation throughout the novel.
Larissa
Larissa resides in the House of the Old, where Jonas interacts with her during his volunteer work. She shares stories about the Ceremony of Release with Jonas, providing him with insights into the community's practices. Her eventual Release prompts Jonas to imagine a serene existence in Elsewhere, highlighting his initial naivety about the true nature of Release.
Chief Elder
The Chief Elder, elected every eleven years, plays a significant role in the community by leading ceremonies and overseeing the Assignments for the Twelves. During Jonas's Ceremony of Twelve, the female Chief Elder publicly announces Jonas's Assignment as Receiver, underscoring its importance within the community.
Expert Q&A
What are the inner desires of the Chief Elder in The Giver?
The Chief Elder's inner desires in The Giver are not explicitly detailed in the text, as the narrative focuses on Jonas's perspective. However, it can be inferred that her primary concern is maintaining a peaceful, structured society through efficient governance, which aligns with the community's values of Sameness and emotional suppression. While some speculate that she might also desire to retain her authoritative position, the text emphasizes her role in upholding societal order.
Committee of Elders
The Committee of Elders governs the community's decisions, including Assignments for the Twelves, marital pairings, and family unit formations. Their influence extends to every aspect of life in the community, ensuring that all decisions align with the rules and conformity expected of citizens.
Caleb
Caleb was a young child who tragically drowned, leading to the community's Ceremony of Loss. This ritual is symbolic of their communal grief. At a subsequent Ceremony of Ones, a new child named Caleb is introduced to replace the lost boy, marking the community's practice of continuity through the Murmur-of-Replacement Ceremony.
Roberto
Roberto was a significant figure in the community, having served in various roles like Instructor of Elevens and on the Planning Committee. Despite his contributions, his Release from the House of the Old passes without the customary Murmur-of-Replacement Ceremony, signifying the often-unacknowledged nature of individual lives within the community.
Expert Q&A
What happened to Roberto in The Giver?
In The Giver, Roberto was euthanized, which the community refers to as being "released." Although the process is described as a peaceful celebration of life, it actually involves a lethal injection. The community, including the elderly awaiting release, believes they are being sent somewhere new, but they are unaware that release means death.
Andrei
Andrei, a character mentioned in connection with Jonas's father, is an engineer who designed a bridge crucial to the community's infrastructure. His role underscores the importance of technical Assignments within the society.
Benjamin
Benjamin, a peer of Jonas, has gained recognition for his innovative contributions at the Rehabilitation Center, where he has devoted much of his voluntary service. His achievements highlight the community's encouragement of aptitude and skill even in young members.
Bruno
Bruno is a minor character known primarily as Fiona's brother. His presence adds to the familial context surrounding key characters.
Edna
Edna, once a Birthmother, worked in Food Production before her Release. Her life, devoid of familial connections, emphasizes the community's utilitarian view of individual roles.
Fritz
Fritz, a clumsy boy living next to Jonas, is characterized by his frequent mishaps, such as colliding with the podium at the Ceremony of Nine. His actions illustrate the community's stringent expectations for order and conformity.
Inger
Inger, a peer of Jonas, is made a Birthmother due to her physical attributes, demonstrating the community's practice of Assigning roles based on perceived strengths.
Instructor
The Instructor is a minor character receiving Asher's apology for tardiness, illustrating the community's emphasis on responsibility and punctuality.
Isaac
Isaac, mentioned during the Ceremony, is made an Instructor of Sixes, a role that reflects the community's structured approach to education and child-rearing.
Madeline
Madeline, the first in Jonas's year group to receive her Assignment, is designated a Fish Hatchery Attendant, marking the beginning of her adult responsibilities in the community's ecosystem.
Natasha
Natasha, mentioned by Lily, volunteers at the Birthing Center, providing a glimpse into the community's assignment of roles to even the youngest members.
Philippa
Philippa is Asher's family unit sister, a minor character with no significant role in the narrative but indicative of the societal structure within family units.
Pierre
Pierre, numbered Twenty, is known for his serious demeanor and tendency to worry, traits that distance him from Jonas, who pays little attention to Pierre's Assignment due to the disruption of his own ceremony.
Speaker
The Speaker, responsible for public announcements, maintains the community's control over information dissemination. The Giver's privilege of controlling his loudspeaker signifies his exceptional status.
Tanya
Tanya, another peer in Jonas's group, participates in games with Asher, illustrating the social interactions among the community's youth.
Thea
Thea, a minor female character, is briefly mentioned in connection with Jonas's year group, contributing to the backdrop of the community's children.
Yoshiko
Yoshiko, a friend of Jonas's father, exemplifies the community's reaction to Assignments, being pleasantly surprised by her role as a Doctor.
Get Ahead with eNotes
Start your 48-hour free trial to access everything you need to rise to the top of the class. Enjoy expert answers and study guides ad-free and take your learning to the next level.
Already a member? Log in here.
