In R. J. Palacio's celebrated novel Wonder, August Pullman is the ten-year-old protagonist who suffers from a severe birth defect, which significantly disfigures his face. One of the initial key moments in the story takes place when August arrives at Beecher Prep to tour the school before he begins the fifth grade. During the tour, August meets Jack Will, Charlotte, and Julian. The experience is significant because it is August's first time interacting with students in his new school. August quickly realizes that Julian will make his life difficult but feels like he can develop a friendship with Jack Will.

Another key moment takes place during the Halloween celebration at Beecher Prep. August decides to wear a Bleeding Scream mask and overhears Jack Will making fun of him to Julian. Jack Will is not aware that August is standing next to him while he ridicules him and is simply trying to impress Julian. Following the incident, August is heartbroken and refuses to go to school. Fortunately, Jack Will apologizes, and August forgives him.

Another significant moment takes place when August discovers why Via did not tell her family about the upcoming play. August loses his temper when he realizes that Via does not want her friends seeing his deformed face. August proceeds to lock himself in his room and is astonished to discover that their beloved dog is close to dying.

Towards the end of the story, August goes on a wilderness retreat with his school and is attacked by a group of seventh graders in the forest. Although August loses his hearing aid during the scuffle, Amos, Henry, Miles, and Jack come to his defense. Following the incident, August gains popularity, public opinion swings in his favor, and Julian is ostracized.