Meg Murry

Meg Murry is the central figure of the novel, embodying the essence of adolescence with her self-consciousness, self-deprecation, and self-absorption. At thirteen, she endures an awkward stage, characterized by a gangly physique, stringy hair, and the necessity of braces and glasses. Her quick temper often labels her as "unfeminine," and because she doesn't conform to the conventional standard of a "good" student, teachers mistakenly regard her as "slow." However, Meg's proficiency in mathematical shortcuts reveals her remarkable intelligence and contributes to her frustration with traditional methods of problem-solving. Despite her insecurities, Meg's love for her family and unrecognized talents propel her growth. Throughout the narrative, she learns to embrace her perceived faults as her greatest strengths.

Meg’s family background is illustrious; her father, a physicist, is consulted by the White House, while her mother, a biologist, is destined to win a Nobel Prize. Her ability to communicate with her youngest brother, Charles Wallace, by kything—L'Engle's concept of direct mental union—further underscores her unique abilities. As Meg's journey unfolds, she embodies the theme of freedom and providence, choosing to embrace a daunting duty she initially hesitates to fulfill. Her triumph over adversity highlights the novel's underlying message of love's enduring power against darkness.

Charles Wallace Murry

Charles Wallace Murry, Meg’s youngest brother, is perceived as "slow" due to his silence around strangers and his delayed speech development, not speaking until four years of age. Yet, his conversation is astonishingly sophisticated, mirroring adult vocabulary and syntax. At merely five years old, Charles Wallace exhibits a level of thoughtfulness beyond his years, exemplified when he prepares cocoa and sandwiches for his family during a stormy night. His connection with Meg through kything signifies a deep, intrinsic bond, marking him as a genius and a "sport," or outlier, within the family dynamic.

Charles Wallace plays a crucial role in the confrontation with IT, the antagonist. His encounter with this embodiment of conformity and control highlights the potential peril of pride, as it leads to his capture. His relationship with Meg and his extraordinary abilities are central to the narrative, illustrating the theme of familial love and its redemptive power.

Dr. (Mr.) Murry

Dr. (Mr.) Murry is the father of Meg and Charles Wallace, a brilliant scientist tasked by the federal government with addressing societal issues on the planet Camazotz. His disappearance for nearly a year at the novel's outset forms the crux of the family's crisis. His role underscores the theme of intellectual pursuit intertwined with familial dedication, reflecting the balance between professional obligations and personal commitments.

Dr. (Mrs.) Murry

Dr. (Mrs.) Murry, a distinguished biologist and bacteriologist, epitomizes the successful integration of academic achievement with motherhood. Her laboratory adjoins the family home, where she conducts experiments while simultaneously tending to household duties, such as cooking stew on a Bunsen burner. Her nurturing presence and concern for Meg’s well-being reflect her profound understanding of the importance of love and family stability.

She represents a woman who balances her career and family life effectively, contributing to the novel's exploration of the strength and resilience found in familial bonds.

Sandy Murry

Sandy Murry is one of the ten-year-old twin sons, alongside Dennys Murry. Together, they exemplify the stereotype of "well-rounded" children, excelling both academically and athletically, yet adept at masking their capabilities to avoid the envy of their peers. They embody the concept of potential and promise within the family, illustrating a harmonious blend of talent and discretion.

Dennys Murry

Dennys Murry, Sandy's twin, shares in the same qualities of being a bright, athletic, and well-rounded individual. The twins' ability to blend into their environment while possessing significant talent resonates with the novel's theme of individuality within conformity. Their presence in the story adds depth to the family dynamic, showing that each member has unique strengths and roles.

Mrs. Whatsit

Mrs. Whatsit is one of the three ethereal beings who guide and empower the Murry children on their journey to Camazotz. Initially appearing as an elderly bag lady, she eventually reveals her true nature as an angelic force. This transformation emphasizes L'Engle's theme of finding the extraordinary within the ordinary.

Mrs. Who

Mrs. Who is another of the supernatural trio, presented as a plump matron whose wisdom and insight become instrumental in the children’s adventure. Her presence in the story underscores the importance of diverse perspectives and knowledge in overcoming challenges.

Mrs. Which

Mrs. Which, the final member of the trio, materializes as a shimmering light. Her ethereal form highlights the idea of a cosmic dance and the interconnectedness of the universe, a recurring theme in L'Engle's work.

Calvin O’Keefe

Calvin O’Keefe, a friend and ally to Meg, shares her journey to Camazotz. Like Charles Wallace, he is a "sport" and a genius with the gift of kything, yet he manages to conceal his exceptional attributes from those around him. Calvin's character illustrates the value of companionship, understanding, and the shared quest for truth.

Aunt Beast

Aunt Beast, a nurturing, tentacled alien, aids Meg in recovering from the chilling grip of the Dark Thing, a representation of evil. Her role highlights the Lewisian notion that physical form is not indicative of one's intrinsic worth. Aunt Beast's compassion and care reinforce the thematic significance of love and kinship across different beings.

It

It is the nefarious, disembodied brain that exerts control over the inhabitants of Camazotz. As a symbol of oppressive conformity and the suppression of individuality, It represents the antithesis of the novel's advocacy for freedom, choice, and the inherent power of love. The struggle against It encapsulates the novel’s central conflict between authoritarianism and liberation.

Implicit in the narrative is a critique of societal pressures towards uniformity, set against the backdrop of the 1960s. "A Wrinkle in Time" upholds the family's significance, illustrating how nurturing environments foster individual growth and resilience in the face of adversity. L'Engle's vision marries themes of love and light with a cosmic scope, advocating for the transformative power of familial bonds and individual courage.

A Wrinkle in Time narrates the epic struggle between ultimate good and evil for dominion over the universe. If Meg, Charles Wallace, and Calvin fail, everyone fails. The characters in A Wrinkle in Time range from "ordinary" humans to benevolent witches and disembodied entities known only as Thing or IT. Even the human characters are remarkable for their unique talents and the bravery they display when challenged.

The Murry children—Meg, her twin brothers Sandy and Dennys, and Charles Wallace—are all exceptionally intelligent, especially Charles Wallace. In their small New England town, Meg and Charles Wallace are considered misfits, while Sandy and Dennys are more socially adept and thus fit in better at school. The Murry parents are also highly intelligent and well-educated; Mr. Murry is a physicist, and Mrs. Murry is a biologist. However, Mr. Murry has been missing for over a year, and the town's gossip is growing.

Despite the strain of Mr. Murry's absence, the Murry household remains a warm and supportive environment. L'Engle emphasizes that the Murry children are wise and loving because their parents allow them to express themselves freely and explore the world as their curiosity dictates. Love plays a crucial role in Meg's ultimate battle.

Meg Murry views herself as a school outcast, a plain nobody who will never fit in. She frequently challenges authority and is often sent to the principal's office for insubordination. However, Meg is a special young woman who eventually discovers her inner strength and the value of loyalty and love. She is the only one capable of defeating the dark powers embodied by IT, the grotesque disembodied brain that rules Camazotz.

Charles Wallace is an entirely different kind of child. Wise beyond his years, he speaks more like an adult than a five-year-old. His grasp of science and mathematics rivals that of his parents, and he eagerly absorbs new information. However, his intellect becomes his downfall on Camazotz. Like many, Charles Wallace is blind to his own limitations; he mistakenly believes he can outsmart IT. His lack of humility prevents him from making wise decisions, and his arrogance leads him to become a robotic slave to IT.

Mrs. Who, Mrs. Which, and Mrs. Whatsit—the three elderly women who serve as the children's guides—are also combatting the forces of darkness. Initially introduced as a ragtag trio living in an abandoned house near the Murry farm, these three women take on various forms as the adventure unfolds. They lead the children to Camazotz using a "tesseract," a method of bending time and space that allows one to jump across the universe.

However, Mrs. Who, Mrs. Which, and Mrs. Whatsit cannot fight the children's battles for them, nor will they provide Meg, Charles Wallace, or Calvin with all the answers to their questions. The children must make their own decisions and discover answers independently, learning to choose the path of love and fellowship on their own. The most the three elderly women can do is offer guidance. They remind Charles Wallace that he doesn’t know everything (though he fails to follow their advice) and give Meg a pair of glasses along with advice that she ultimately uses to rescue her father and brother. L'Engle conveys that love imparts strength, and that selfless love for others can help a person overcome temptation and evil.