Ben Wilson
Ben Wilson is one of the protagonists of Wonderstruck. After losing his mother, Elaine, Ben lives with his Aunt and Uncle in a town called Gunflint Lake, Minnesota. He was born deaf in one ear, and an accident early in the novel leaves him fully deaf. Despite these challenges, Ben possesses a certain resilience and determination, as demonstrated by his journey to find his father. He carries his mother's book, also called Wonderstruck, as his sole lead, a symbol of his longing to understand his roots and identity. Ben's character development is closely tied to his personal growth and self-discovery. As he navigates New York City and the American Museum of Natural History, he learns to communicate through sign language, adapts to a new environment, and makes meaningful connections. His journey is a testament to the resilience of children and the human capacity to adapt in the face of adversity.
Rose Kincaid
Rose Kincaid is the second protagonist in Wonderstruck, her story unfolding in a parallel timeline to Ben's. Living in Hoboken, New Jersey, in 1927, Rose, who is deaf, feels isolated from her father and stepmother due to their inability to communicate with her effectively. Rose is a character of silent determination and creativity. She expresses herself by building miniature cityscapes and obsessing over silent movies, especially those starring actress Lillian Mayhew. Like Ben's, Rose's journey to New York City is a quest for identity and belonging. As Rose encounters the bustling city and the deaf community, she comes into her own, developing independence and self-assurance. Her story highlights the importance of accepting and understanding one's identity, the necessity of genuine connections, and the value of accessible communication for the deaf community.
Jamie O'Connell
Jamie O'Connell is a supporting character in Wonderstruck. He is a model maker at the American Museum of Natural History and becomes Ben's first friend in New York City. Although a minor character compared to Ben and Rose, Jamie plays a significant role in Ben's self-discovery journey. He supports Ben in his quest, helps him navigate the unfamiliar city, and, crucially, offers companionship. Jamie's character underscores the themes of friendship and empathy in the novel, reminding readers of the significance of understanding and helping others in their quests. His interactions with Ben not only contribute to Ben's self-discovery but also depict the genuine bond that can form between people despite their different life experiences and backgrounds.
Daniel
Daniel is a pivotal character in Wonderstruck who serves as a friend and mentor to Rose. A deaf African American man, he works at the American Museum of Natural History and takes Rose under his wing when she arrives in New York City. Daniel introduces Rose to the deaf community and teaches her American Sign Language, fundamentally changing her isolated existence and giving her a sense of belonging. Daniel's character underlines the book's themes of acceptance and community. Despite the societal barriers he faces due to his race and disability, Daniel embodies strength, kindness, and wisdom, offering support and guidance to Rose and ultimately playing a critical role in her self-discovery and acceptance of her deafness.
Walter
Towards the end of the novel, Walter is revealed to be Ben's father and Rose's brother. As a curator at the American Museum of Natural History, he is passionate about his work. He carries a deep love for his family, which is evident in his attempt to stay connected with Rose and his regret for not knowing about Ben. Walter's character signifies the family bond and the power of love that transcends physical distance and time. He symbolizes lost opportunities but also the possibility of reconnection and forgiveness. His relationships with Ben and Rose highlight the book's theme of interconnectedness, showing that our lives may be intertwined in ways we cannot always foresee.
