Who's Who?

Jonas - Jonas is the main protagonist in the novel. He is eleven years old when the book begins, but turns twelve at the ceremony held each year by the community. At this ceremony Jonas is given the job as the Receiver of Memory. As the book progresses, you find that Jonas has his own way of thinking; he shows great interest in the well being of his family, and also feels that it would be nice to be closer to people overall. When Jonas begins his training for becoming the Receiver of Memory for his community, he learns more, and becomes more aware of the world around him.

Lily - Lily is Jonas’s seven-year-old sister. (she turns eight over the course of the first 48 pages) She enjoys talking, but can get very talkative at time. She enjoys sharing her feelings and dreams to her family. Lily is very bright and knowledgeable girl for her age.

Jonas's Father - Jonas's father works with infants as a Nurturer for the community. He is tenderhearted and very caring, but takes his job seriously and will do whatever is best in the long run. He refers to his children by calling them playful nicknames, as he does with the children in his care at his job.

Jonas's Mother - Jonas's mother works at the Department of Justice. She's very intelligent and cares for her family. She very often helps Jonas and gives him advice about his fears and worries as he grows. With Jonas's father being tenderhearted, she gives a firm foundation to their overall family unit.

Gabriel (Gabe) -  Gabe is the new child brought into the family by Jonas's father. Gabriel needed extra care for growth and development, therefore Jonas's father begged to keep him and bring him home after hours to give him the extra care needed. Gabriel is fun and well alive in the day time, but has trouble sleeping in the nighttime so Jonas comforts him.

Asher - Asher is Jonas's best friend. Asher is known for talking to fast and getting his words mixed up easily. At the Ceremony of Twelve, he is assigned to be the Assistant Director of Recreation.

The Giver - The Giver is an old man known as the Receiver of Memory in Jonas' community. He helps the Elder Chief make important decisions. Although The Giver knows all, he is troubled because he believes his acquired memories belong to those in the community.

Fiona - Fiona is one of Jonas’s friends. She has red hair that only Jonas can see, and she was assigned to work as a caretaker of The House of The Old . She is very calm and patient. Jonas’s first stirrings come from an erotic dream about Fiona.

Larissa - Larissa is a woman living in the House of the Old. Jonas shares pleasant conversation with her while he gives her a bath during his volunteer hours. Like many inhabitants of the House of the Old, she enjoys gossip and looks forward to her release.

The Chief Elder - The Chief Elder is the elected leader of Jonas’s community. She too shows genuine affection for all of the children at the Ceremony of Twelve, knowing of their names and an anecdote about each one.