Jonas Character Chart
Directions: We have talked about how Jonas is a complex, dynamic character who has many sides and who changes. Throughout the book, we will be stopping periodically to analyze Jonas’ character in the hopes of tracking his development.
Use this chart to help you organize your evidence and thoughts.
Quote & Page Number / Trait & Explanation / Type of Characterization & ExplanationEXAMPLE 1:
“Instantly, obediently, Jonas had dropped his bike on its side on the path behind his family’s dwelling” (pg. 2). / Obedient, compliant, submissive / Indirect- We can infer Jonas’ traits through his actions (obeying directions given over the speakers)
EXAMPLE 2:
“He had been taken aside for a brief and serious talk by the coach, had hung his head with guilt and embarrassment, and apologized to Asher after the game” (pg. 3).
(when he is joking with Asher that he will be released for dropping the ball during play) / Playful
Obedient, compliant, submissive
Easily guilted/ashamed / Indirect- We can infer Jonas’ traits through what he says and does (joking with his friend and then immediately apologizing when instructed to do so)
Example 3:
“He had held a magnifying glass to it. He had tossed it several times across the room, and then rolled it around and around on his desktop, waiting for the things to happen again.” ( pg.25 ) / Curious, Interested, Perseverant / Indirect- We can infer Jonas` traits through all the things he does to try to make the apple “change” again.
Example 4:
“Jonas grinned. “ I wish I`d been there to see it.”
Larissa frowned. “ I don`t know why they don`t let children come. Not enough room, I guess. They should enlarge the releasing room.
Example 5:
“No one had mentioned it, not even his parents, because the public announcement had been sufficient to produce the appropriate remorse .
He had, of course, disposed of the apple and made his apology to the Recreation Director the next morning, before school.” (pg. 23) / Kind, Respectful, Curious
Obedient, he easily feels guilty / Indirect- We can infer Jonas` traits through the things that Jonas tells to Larissa.
Indirect- We can infer this through Jonas` actions.
Example 6:
“Jonas was careful about his language” ( pg.3 ) / Careful, Respecful, Thoughtful / Direct- The author tells us that Jonas was respectful and thoughtful.
Example 4:
“And Jonas, I studied hard in school like you do.”
(pg. 15) / Studious, Smart, Responsible / Indirect- We can infer that Jonas was smart because Jonas studied hard.
Example 5:
“He knew he had to tell it all, that it was not only alright, but necessary to tell all of a dream.” (pg.35-36) / Shy, Easily Embarrassed, Obedient / Indirect- Jonas is thinking.
Example 6:
There are good things each year” (pg.40) / Optimistic / Indirect- Showing it by what he says.
Example 7:
She skipped me, Jonas thought. (pg.57) / Insecure, Assumes things very fast, stressed, worried / Indirect- You need to guess the triats because the Author is not telling you.
Example 8:
He wanted to disappear to fade away, no to exist.
(pg.58) / Insecure, Scared, Worried, Overthinking, Exaggerating / Indirect- Because he is giving examples of being scare and insecure.
Example 9:
“His mind had shut out all the earlier emotions. The anticipation, excitement, pride, and even the happy kinship with his friends. Now he only felt humiliation and terror. “ (pg.59) / Worried, Over-Thinker, Shy, Self-Conscious / Indirect- We needed to assume what his feelings were.
Example 10:
“Courage,” She went on.” Only one of use here today has ever undergone the rigorous training required of a Receiver…It was he who reminded us, again and again , of the courage required”
(pg. 62) / Courageous, Brave / Indirect –Another character is describing Jonas.
Example 11:
“He had never ,within his memory, been tempted to lie. Asher did not lie. Lily did not lie. His parents did not lie. No one did.” (pg.71) / Honest, Obedient, Expressed himself with the truth. / Indirect- We can infer that Jonas` traits through his actions he does (never lying and always expressing himself with the truth and he is being honest and truthful.)
Example 12:
“’Welcome, Receiver of Memory,’” she said respectfully. “ Oh, please,” he replied uncomfortably. ‘Call me Jonas,’” / Wants to be equal to everyone else, Humble, Modest / Indirect- We can infer Jonas` traits from what he says.
Example 13:
“Jonas feared that he might disgrace himself now on the first day of his training by falling asleep.”
(Pg.80) / Fearful, Embarrassed, Self-Conscious, Nervous / Direct- Because it says “Jonas feared…” instead of describing what the fear felt like.
Example 14:
“It was startling; but he was not at all frightened, now. He was filled with energy, and he breathed again, feeling the sharp intake of frigid air.”
(pg.80) / Easily gained Confidence, Trustworthy, Enthusiastic, Exhilarated / Indirect- You need to assume the traits from what the author describes.
Example 15:
Actually, Jonas thought trying to recreate it in his mind, it wasn’t Fiona in her entirety. It seemed to be just heir hair. And just for that flickering instant. (Pg90) / Confused, thoughtful, curious unconfterball, / Indirect: because it says ”Jonas thought trying to recreate in his mind” So this tells me that he is thinking which is indirect
Example 16:
“You’ve come very quickly to that conclusion “ he said. “It took me many years. Maybe your wisdom will come much more quickly than mine” (pg.95)
Example 17:
But it was not true that he hadn’t dream
(Pg.88) / Conflicted, dishonest, confused / Indirect: Because it’s an action that the author shows us as he is changing.
Example 18:
now irrationally at his groups mates, that they where satisfied with their life which had none of the vivarns his home was taking on. He was angry at himself / Jealous, angry, irritated / Both: Telling examples that he community