characters in the novel
Christopher John Francis Boone is the protagonist of this novel. Though he struggles with Asperger's Syndrome, he possesses a much wider perspective of life than most boys of 15. Christopher demonstrates significant differences when he shows repetitive patterns in his every day lifestyle. He has a passion for math, and prefers the company of animals over humans. He cannot begin to fathom the facial expressions of others and thus, prefers to stay untouched, in the company of those he trusts. And, he hates yellow.
Society's definition of normality causes many characters to go against him. This reflects on peoples' attitudes shown towards the protagonist. Though he remains oblivious, the harshness does not go unspoken to the reader. Christopher is judged because of his disorder and the characters prove this, by abandoning him, by turning him in and by refusing to treat him indifferently. However, it takes a lone trip to London for Christopher to come face-to-face with the true cruelty of our society, without the protection of his loved ones.
Ed Boone is Christopher's father. Ed displays caring and loving traits, and shows his love for his son in many, many ways, in spite of Christopher's distain in physical contact. However, he is often impulsive, and can be verbally and physically abusive, when he is angered. After Christopher's mother left them, Christopher stayed with his dad and had a happy, healthy relationship - until he found out the truth about his Mother and Wellington's death. After a long journey to London and back, Ed's relationship with his son is damaged, but with persistence and time, Ed hopes to mend their bond and regain Christopher's trust.
Judy Boone is Christopher's runaway mother. She is kind-hearted and loving, despite the fact that she left the Boone's when Christopher's childhood had just begun. Though she left, Christopher was unaware of the reason, and was told that she had passed away from a heart attack. It was only later revealed that this was a lie; she could not take the difficulties that came along with her son's disorder, and eloped with Christopher's former neighbour, Mr Shears, to London. Nonetheless, when Christopher shows up at her doorstep, uninvited, Judy welcomes him in without hesitation. This leads to her loss of job and of her partner. She returns to Ed's house and they share the responsibilities of Christopher, though they decide to live separately.
Mrs Alexander is Christopher's neighbour. She is the only one that shows compassion and kindness towards him, throughout his entire adventure. She does not judge him for his disability and treats him rather normally. She is also to blame for the reveal of the Boone affair. This sparked Christopher's attention, causing him to become more and more aware of his surroundings - eventually leading to his departure and reconciliation with his Mother.
Eileen and Roger Shears are Christopher's neighbours. Both are rather impolite towards Christopher. It is later revealed that Mr Shears had an affair with Christopher's mother - the beginning of many conflicts yet to come.
Society plays an important role in Christopher's life. Society changes every character's perspective on Christopher's behaviour around them. It causes him to be judged and ignored, tossed around back and forth. This novel gives the reader a glance of the world from Christopher's (and others with Asperger's Syndrome) perspective and teaches the reader to think twice before looking down on victims.
Society's definition of normality causes many characters to go against him. This reflects on peoples' attitudes shown towards the protagonist. Though he remains oblivious, the harshness does not go unspoken to the reader. Christopher is judged because of his disorder and the characters prove this, by abandoning him, by turning him in and by refusing to treat him indifferently. However, it takes a lone trip to London for Christopher to come face-to-face with the true cruelty of our society, without the protection of his loved ones.
Ed Boone is Christopher's father. Ed displays caring and loving traits, and shows his love for his son in many, many ways, in spite of Christopher's distain in physical contact. However, he is often impulsive, and can be verbally and physically abusive, when he is angered. After Christopher's mother left them, Christopher stayed with his dad and had a happy, healthy relationship - until he found out the truth about his Mother and Wellington's death. After a long journey to London and back, Ed's relationship with his son is damaged, but with persistence and time, Ed hopes to mend their bond and regain Christopher's trust.
Judy Boone is Christopher's runaway mother. She is kind-hearted and loving, despite the fact that she left the Boone's when Christopher's childhood had just begun. Though she left, Christopher was unaware of the reason, and was told that she had passed away from a heart attack. It was only later revealed that this was a lie; she could not take the difficulties that came along with her son's disorder, and eloped with Christopher's former neighbour, Mr Shears, to London. Nonetheless, when Christopher shows up at her doorstep, uninvited, Judy welcomes him in without hesitation. This leads to her loss of job and of her partner. She returns to Ed's house and they share the responsibilities of Christopher, though they decide to live separately.
Mrs Alexander is Christopher's neighbour. She is the only one that shows compassion and kindness towards him, throughout his entire adventure. She does not judge him for his disability and treats him rather normally. She is also to blame for the reveal of the Boone affair. This sparked Christopher's attention, causing him to become more and more aware of his surroundings - eventually leading to his departure and reconciliation with his Mother.
Eileen and Roger Shears are Christopher's neighbours. Both are rather impolite towards Christopher. It is later revealed that Mr Shears had an affair with Christopher's mother - the beginning of many conflicts yet to come.
Society plays an important role in Christopher's life. Society changes every character's perspective on Christopher's behaviour around them. It causes him to be judged and ignored, tossed around back and forth. This novel gives the reader a glance of the world from Christopher's (and others with Asperger's Syndrome) perspective and teaches the reader to think twice before looking down on victims.