The Wave Character Analysis

Laurie Saunders

Laurie Saunders, the protagonist of the novel, is an intrepid and bright-eyed high schooler and editor-in-chief of her school paper, The Gordon Grapevine. Laurie is sunny but thoughtful, and she takes her editorial duties… read analysis of Laurie Saunders

Ben Ross

Ben Ross is a young, popular history teacher whose devotion to his students is sincere, if sometimes obsessive. Ross wants to engage with the things he’s teaching his students, not just spew facts at them—and… read analysis of Ben Ross

David Collins

Laurie Saunders’s boyfriend David is a tall, good-looking running back on the Gordon High football team. Athletic, popular, bright, and more than a little self-centered, David has trouble feeling empathy for other people and… read analysis of David Collins

Amy Smith

Laurie’s best friend Amy is a fun and free-spirited teenager with a rebellious streak. Petite and pretty with “Goldilocks hair,” Amy is nonetheless insecure about how she measures up to Laurie, and desperate to… read analysis of Amy Smith

Robert Billings

Widely regarded as the “creepy” class loser amongst the seniors at Gordon High, Robert Billings is a painfully introverted young man who is growing up in the shadow of his beloved, successful older brother, a… read analysis of Robert Billings

Brian Ammon

Brian is David’s best friend and a quarterback on the football team who, in spite of his popularity, is unsuccessful academically at Gordon High. Hotheaded and desperate to prove himself, Brian throws himself headfirst… read analysis of Brian Ammon

Carl Block

Along with Alex Cooper, Carl is one of the “biggest practical jokers” at Gordon High. Tall and lanky with blond hair, Carl is an investigative reporter for The Grapevine. Carl is skeptical of The… read analysis of Carl Block

Brad

A student at Gordon High who takes special pleasure in “tormenting” Robert Billings. After The Wave takes off, however, he finds himself grateful for the “community” values the movement instills within the school, and… read analysis of Brad

Principal Owens

Principal Owens is the imposing but genial principal of Gordon High. He is a large, towering man who frequently smokes a pipe and is never seen in anything less than a three-piece suit. Owens, who… read analysis of Principal Owens

Norm Schiller

Norm Schiller is the Gordon High football coach. He takes his students’ success on the field—or lack thereof—deeply personally, and he is excited when The Wave seems to be shaping his players up into a… read analysis of Norm Schiller

Mrs. Saunders

Mrs. Saunders is Laurie’s mother, a “perceptive” worrywart who is always overly concerned and overly involved in Laurie’s friendships, problems, and school escapades. Laurie finds her mother annoying at the start of the novel—but… read analysis of Mrs. Saunders

Minor Characters

Christy Ross

Christy is Ben Ross’s wife, and the music teacher at Gordon High. Christy is a loving and supportive partner—though her firsthand knowledge of Ben’s obsessive tendencies makes her skeptical of The Wave and super-sensitive to Ben’s moods and behaviors as the movement gets out of control.

Alex Cooper

Alex is another one of Gordon High’s resident practical jokers. Alex is short and stocky, and he reviews music for The Grapevine. He and Carl resist The Wave’s influence, and are ultimately charged with helping Ben Ross in dismantling it.

Eric

Eric is a student at Gordon High and a player on the football team. Though initially skeptical of The Wave, he helps David introduce the concept to the football team in hopes that it will bring them together and help them win their upcoming games.

Deutsch

Deutsch is a second-string quarterback on the Gordon High football team who is often at odds with Brian.

Mr. Gabondi

Mr. Gabondi is the French teacher at Gordon High. He’s a boring, strict man whose class regularly puts students to sleep.

Mr. Saunders

Mr. Saunders is Laurie’s father, a hardworking man with a penchant for playing golf.

The Wave

Todd Strasser

The Wave Characters