Megan Jones in Shades of Gray is the ten-year-old cousin of William. Meg has a happy disposition and remains positive no matter what circumstances she deals with. Meg is very supportive of her cousin, William, as well as of her father.

However, despite Meg's positive outlook and youthful innocence, she is a tough child who defends her principles. For instance, she supports her father's decision to not join the war and defends him from critics. Her adolescence allows her to be vocal without being inhibited.

Meg is also very smart and wise for her age. She provides William with different perspectives about the North. Meg's character is the voice of reason and provides a sage archetype to the narrative, despite her young age. Author Carolyn Reeder chose Meg's character to be the representative of innocence and a calming presence because of Meg's age.