What is the signification of the characters?

I'll do the major characters.

Laurie Saunders

Lauri symbolizes the resistance to the movement. Like resisters in WW2 she puts herself at odds with her peers. She attempts to stop what she perceives as morally and ethically wrong.

Ben Ross

An intelligent and energetic history teacher at Gordon High, he gets carried away with the movement he creates. Much like Hitler or any other fascist dictator, Ben may start with good ideals but falls into the trap of power and manipulation. Absolute rule over the masses (his class) controls him absolutely.

David Collins

David is a high school Jock who is popular before the Wave begins. He is a kid who seemingly has it all but is willing to give it up for an ideology. This attracts other kids into the "party".

Robert Billings

Many fringe groups prey on the weak, insecure and the lonely. Robert is an outcast who finds acceptance and meaning in the wave. He is an example that the wave will embrace anyone as long as conformity is absolute. All of a sudden Robert has a life!

I must protest on Aslan's answer. Hitler did not start with good ideals and gets carried away! Right from the beginning he was fascist, racist and antisemitic. Don't question that for a moment.

Ben Ross had good intentions. Hitler did not.

I must protest on Aslan's answer. Hitler did not start with good ideals and got carried away! Right from the beginning he was fascist, racist and antisemitic. Don't question that for a moment.

Ben Ross had good intentions. Hitler did not.