Synopsis
Covers the whole plot, including the ending.
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Pacing
- Moderate
- Mood
- Suspenseful, Mysterious, Hopeful, Tense
- Read it if
- You enjoy dystopian children's literature with themes of identity, rebellion, and social injustice.
- Skip it if
- You prefer fantasy over science fiction or are looking for a lighthearted read without tense situations.
Among the Impostors Plot Summary
Covers the whole plot, including the ending.
Arrival at Hendricks School
Luke Garner, a 'third child' who has lived his entire life in hiding, enters Hendricks School for Boys, posing as Lee Grant, a deceased baron's son. He feels overwhelmed by the unfamiliar environment, which lacks windows and has many identical-looking students. Luke struggles to adapt to the school's strict routines and the confusing social dynamics among the boys. He feels immense pressure to maintain his false identity, fearing that any mistake could expose him to the Population Police. His initial interactions are marked by isolation and bewilderment, as he tries to understand the unspoken rules and the strange behavior of his peers, all while dealing with the constant threat of discovery.
Hazing and Confusion
Luke experiences harsh hazing from the other boys, especially Jackal, who seems to enjoy tormenting him. The boys force him to perform chores, steal food, and endure other indignities. Luke finds it impossible to distinguish between many of his classmates due to their similar appearances and lack of unique identifiers. This confusion increases his fear of being exposed, as he cannot tell who is a genuine student and who might be an informant. The teachers appear oblivious to the bullying, further isolating Luke and making him question the true purpose of Hendricks School. He longs for the simple privacy he had in his attic, despite its confinement.
The Unlocked Door and the Outside
During a chaotic moment, Luke finds an unlocked door that leads outside. This discovery shocks him, as he had believed the school was a secure, inescapable environment. Driven by curiosity and a longing for fresh air and natural light, he begins to sneak out periodically. His initial forays are cautious, exploring the immediate surroundings of the school. He observes the fences, the guards, and the general layout of the property, slowly creating a mental map. These secret excursions provide a sense of freedom and a growing determination to uncover the school's secrets, despite the dangers.
Meeting the Other Third Children
Luke's explorations lead him to a surprising discovery: some of the other boys are also 'third children' in hiding, just like him. He first encounters a group of boys, including Carlos, who are secretly cultivating a garden. This revelation shatters his initial perception of Hendricks as a school for privileged legal children. He learns that the school is a deceptive front, designed to house and control third children, providing them with new identities and a controlled environment. This realization is both a relief and a new source of anxiety, as it means the stakes are even higher, and the true purpose of the Population Police's involvement is more complex than he imagined.
Carlos and the Resistance
Carlos, one of the third children, takes Luke under his wing and explains the network of resistance operating within Hendricks. He reveals that many of the supposed 'legal' children are actually third children, and some of the staff are secretly sympathetic to their cause. Carlos is a charismatic and resourceful leader, and he quickly involves Luke in their covert activities, which include communicating with the outside world and gathering information. Luke is both thrilled and terrified by this new role, finding a sense of purpose he never had in his attic, but also facing the constant threat of exposure and severe consequences.
The Population Police's True Role
Luke discovers that the Population Police are not just external enforcers but are deeply involved in the operations of Hendricks School. The 'Baron' and other seemingly authoritative figures are actually high-ranking Population Police officers. The school is a sophisticated trap, designed to bring third children out of hiding under the guise of offering them a future, but ultimately to control and potentially eliminate them. This revelation confirms Luke's worst fears, making him question the true intentions behind the school's existence and the ultimate fate of the third children housed there.
The Barons and Their Agenda
Luke learns that the Barons, the elite ruling class, are behind the Population Police and the creation of schools like Hendricks. Their agenda is not just to enforce the two-child law but to systematically identify, track, and control all third children. The 'Lee Grant' identity Luke assumed belonged to a Baron's son, and the Barons are using the identities of deceased legal children to bring third children into their system. This elaborate scheme aims to prevent any future uprisings and maintain their power, solidifying the oppressive regime and ensuring no third children can ever truly escape their grasp. Luke realizes the full extent of the danger he is in.
Seeking Information from the Outside
Driven by a desperate need for more information and potential aid, Luke and Carlos make a concerted effort to contact sympathetic individuals outside the school. They use the secret communication channels established by the resistance, exchanging coded messages and attempting to gather intelligence about the Barons' true plans and the broader political landscape. These efforts are dangerous, as any intercepted message could lead to their immediate capture and severe punishment. Luke's resourcefulness and courage are tested as he participates in these high-stakes operations, knowing that the fate of many third children depends on their success.
The Baron's Ball
A key event occurs when the Barons host a lavish ball at the school, attended by powerful figures. Luke and Carlos, using their access and cunning, decide to infiltrate the event to eavesdrop on conversations and gather crucial intelligence. This is a risky endeavor, as they are surrounded by the very people who seek to control and eliminate them. Luke, disguised and blending in, overhears fragments of conversations that confirm the Barons' sinister intentions and the true purpose of the school. The tension is palpable as they navigate the crowded rooms, trying to glean information without drawing suspicion.
Baron Hendrick's Confrontation
Luke, emboldened by the information gathered and the growing support among the third children, confronts Baron Hendrick, the supposed benevolent founder of the school, who is actually a high-ranking Population Police officer. In a moment of courage, Luke reveals his true identity as a third child and challenges the Baron's authority and the oppressive system he represents. This direct confrontation is a dangerous gamble, but Luke believes it is necessary to expose the truth and ignite a wider rebellion. The Baron is surprised by Luke's defiance, setting the stage for a critical turning point in the resistance movement.
The Escape Plan
Following the confrontation, Luke and Carlos, along with other key members of the resistance, finalize an elaborate escape plan for the third children at Hendricks. This plan involves coordinating with outside allies, using secret passages, and creating diversions to draw the attention of the guards. They meticulously detail each step, considering every contingency, knowing that the lives of many depend on their precision and stealth. Luke plays a crucial role in rallying the other third children, instilling hope and courage in them, and preparing them for the dangerous journey ahead.
The Breakout
The escape plan is put into action, leading to a tense and dangerous breakout from Hendricks School. The third children, guided by Luke and Carlos, navigate the school's hidden pathways and outer perimeter, encountering guards and other obstacles. There are moments of near-discovery and narrow escapes, testing the children's resolve and the efficacy of their plan. The climax of the escape involves a daring dash through the surrounding grounds, with the Population Police close behind. Not all escape, but a significant number manage to break free, marking a victory against the oppressive regime and a new chapter in the fight for third children's rights.
Principal Figures
Luke Garner (Lee Grant)
Protagonist
A 'third child' hiding under a false identity at Hendricks School.
Luke is a sensitive and observant boy who has spent his entire life in hiding, making him initially timid and socially awkward. He yearns for freedom and a sense of belonging. Despite his fears, he possesses a strong moral compass and an innate curiosity that drives him to uncover the truth. His experiences at Hendricks force him to develop courage and leadership qualities he never knew he had, transforming him from a passive observer to an active participant in the resistance.
Relationships: Carlos (Friend and fellow resistance leader); Jackal (Antagonist, bully); Baron Hendrick (Antagonist, head of the Population Police operation at Hendricks)
Carlos
Supporting
A resourceful and charismatic third child leading the resistance at Hendricks.
Carlos is a confident, intelligent, and pragmatic third child who has been at Hendricks longer than Luke. He is a natural leader, having established a covert network of resistance among the other students. He is street-smart and brave, often taking calculated risks to gather information and aid his fellow third children. Carlos becomes Luke's mentor and closest ally, helping him navigate the complexities of the school and inspiring him to join the cause. He is driven by a strong desire for justice and the freedom of all third children.
Relationships: Luke Garner (Friend and fellow resistance leader); Baron Hendrick (Antagonist)
Baron Hendrick
Antagonist
The high-ranking Population Police officer overseeing Hendricks School.
Baron Hendrick is a powerful and cunning figure, ostensibly the benevolent founder of Hendricks School, but secretly a key player in the Population Police's scheme to control third children. He is manipulative and ruthless, using the school as a sophisticated trap. He presents a facade of concern for the students while orchestrating their surveillance and eventual elimination or control. His motivations are rooted in maintaining the oppressive social order and solidifying the power of the Barons.
Relationships: Luke Garner (Adversary); Carlos (Adversary)
Jackal
Supporting
A bullying student at Hendricks who torments Luke.
Jackal is one of the more aggressive and intimidating students at Hendricks School. He is a primary instigator of the hazing Luke experiences, seemingly enjoying his power over the newer, more vulnerable boys. His bullying nature is a reflection of the harsh environment of the school and perhaps his own struggles within the system. While initially appearing as a simple antagonist, his actions highlight the internal conflicts and desperation among the third children forced into this deceptive institution.
Relationships: Luke Garner (Antagonist/Bully)
The Barons
Antagonist
The wealthy, ruling elite who enforce the two-child law.
The Barons represent the powerful, aristocratic class that controls the government and enforces the oppressive Population Law. They are the architects of the system that persecutes third children, and they use their wealth and influence to maintain their power. Their primary motivation is self-preservation and the prevention of any challenge to their authority. They view third children as a threat to societal order and are willing to employ deceptive and ruthless tactics to control them.
Relationships: Luke Garner (Systemic adversaries); Carlos (Systemic adversaries)
The Population Police
Antagonist
The enforcement agency for the two-child law.
The Population Police are the feared enforcement arm of the Barons' government, responsible for identifying and eliminating third children. In this book, their role expands beyond simple enforcement; they are revealed to be actively involved in running institutions like Hendricks School, using them as a means to gather and control third children. They operate with a chilling efficiency and lack of empathy, representing the brutal reality of the oppressive regime. Their presence instills constant fear in Luke and other third children.
Relationships: Luke Garner (Hunted by them); Carlos (Hunted by them)
Jason
Supporting
A fellow third child at Hendricks, initially skeptical but eventually joining the resistance.
Jason is one of the third children at Hendricks who Luke initially struggles to distinguish. He is cautious and wary, having learned to survive by keeping a low profile. While not as outwardly rebellious as Carlos, he is intelligent and observant. He eventually becomes convinced by Luke and Carlos's efforts and joins the resistance, contributing his skills and knowledge to the escape plan. His character highlights the varying degrees of courage and adaptation among the third children.
Relationships: Luke Garner (Ally); Carlos (Ally)
Themes & Insights
Identity and Deception
The main theme is the struggle for identity in a society that denies existence. Luke, forced to become 'Lee Grant,' constantly battles with who he is versus who he must pretend to be. Hendricks School is a deception, presenting itself as a normal institution while secretly being a holding pen for third children. This theme is clear in Luke's constant fear of discovery and his internal conflict about embracing his new persona versus clinging to his true self. The use of deceased children's identities further highlights the loss of self and forced anonymity.
“He was Lee Grant now. He had to be. He had no choice.”
Freedom vs. Security
The novel explores the tension between the desire for freedom and the perceived security of a controlled environment. Luke initially longs for the outside world, but once at Hendricks, he grapples with the relative 'safety' of a known prison versus the unknown dangers of true freedom. The school provides food, shelter, and a new identity, but at the cost of liberty and self-determination. The third children must decide whether to accept this false security or risk everything for genuine freedom, as seen when Carlos and Luke plot their escape, knowing the immense risks involved.
“Was it better to be safe, but trapped, or free, but hunted?”
Resistance and Rebellion
The emergence of a secret resistance movement among the third children at Hendricks shows the human spirit's refusal to be oppressed. Despite facing overwhelming odds and the constant threat of the Population Police, characters like Carlos and eventually Luke choose to fight back. Their rebellion is not just about physical escape but about reclaiming their dignity and demanding recognition of their right to exist. The secret garden, the coded messages, and the eventual escape plan all demonstrate that even in the most controlled environments, rebellion can begin.
“We're not just hiding anymore. We're fighting.”
The Nature of Authority and Oppression
The book explores how authority can be used for oppressive means, especially through deception and control. The Barons and the Population Police use their power to enforce a harsh law, justifying their actions as necessary for societal order. Hendricks School is an example of this, where a seemingly benevolent institution is actually a tool for surveillance and control. The unquestioning obedience of some students and the manipulative tactics of the staff show how easily a populace can be controlled through fear and manufactured consent, making Luke's defiance all the more significant.
“They don't want to kill us. They want to control us.”
Plot Devices & Literary Techniques
False Identity
A crucial plot device where characters assume new names and backstories to survive.
The use of false identities, particularly Luke's transformation into Lee Grant, is central to the plot. It creates constant tension as Luke fears discovery and struggles to embody a persona that isn't his own. This device highlights the theme of identity loss and the oppressive nature of the regime, which forces individuals to erase their pasts. It also serves as a narrative mechanism for introducing Luke into the 'legal' world, giving him access to information and opportunities he wouldn't otherwise have had, while simultaneously putting him in extreme peril.
The Deceptive Institution (Hendricks School)
A seemingly legitimate school that is actually a front for the Population Police.
Hendricks School functions as a major plot device, initially appearing as a safe haven for privileged boys, but gradually revealed to be a sophisticated trap for third children. Its deceptive nature creates a sense of unease and mystery, driving Luke's investigation. The school's lack of windows, identical uniforms, and strict routines contribute to its oppressive atmosphere, while its hidden passages and secret activities facilitate the resistance movement. This device allows the author to explore themes of control, surveillance, and the hidden realities beneath a polished surface.
The Unlocked Door
A seemingly insignificant detail that provides Luke with access to the outside and crucial discoveries.
The unlocked door is a pivotal plot device that serves as a catalyst for Luke's investigations and the unfolding of the school's secrets. It represents a crack in the facade of control and offers Luke a tangible path to freedom and knowledge. Its accidental discovery underscores Luke's resourcefulness and curiosity, as he seizes this opportunity despite the risks. This device allows for the gradual revelation of the resistance movement and the true nature of the Population Police's involvement, moving the plot from Luke's internal struggles to his active participation in rebellion.
The Secret Garden
A hidden garden cultivated by third children, symbolizing hope and defiance.
The secret garden, discovered by Luke, serves as a powerful symbolic plot device. It represents life, growth, and the quiet defiance of the third children against a system that denies their existence. It's a place where they can reclaim a piece of nature and nurture something of their own, providing a stark contrast to the sterile, controlled environment of the school. The garden also acts as a meeting point for the resistance, fostering community and hope, and demonstrating that even in the most oppressive circumstances, the human spirit finds ways to flourish and resist.
Among the Impostors Quotes
“Every time you break a rule, you risk being sent to the Population Police. And you know what that means.”
“He knew he was a third child. He'd always known. But he'd never fully grasped what that meant.”
“Sometimes, when you have to, you do things you never thought you could.”
“Being an impostor was harder than he thought. Every smile, every nod, every casual remark felt like a lie.”
“He was a shadow, a whisper, a ghost in a world that didn't want him.”
“The truth was a weapon, and sometimes, it was better to keep it sheathed.”
“He had to be strong. For himself. For his family. For all the third children.”
“Freedom wasn't just about being able to go outside. It was about being able to be yourself.”
“The world was full of secrets, and he was just beginning to uncover them.”
“Trust was a fragile thing, easily broken, and once broken, almost impossible to mend.”
“He was no longer just Luke Garner. He was also Lee Grant. And both of them were fighting to survive.”
“Sometimes the biggest lies were the ones people told themselves.”
“Hope was a dangerous thing in a world like theirs, but he couldn't help but hold onto it.”
“He had to learn to blend in, to become invisible, even when he desperately wanted to stand out.”
Quiz
10 questions on the plot and the characters. Each answer comes with a short explanation.
Question 1
What is Luke's alias when he goes to Hendricks School for Boys?
- Jason Talbot
- Lee Grant
- Matthew Garner
- Mark Jefferson
Show answer
B. Lee Grant Luke uses the identity of the recently deceased Lee Grant to attend Hendricks School for Boys, as arranged by Mr. Talbot.
Question 2
What is the primary reason Luke is terrified at Hendricks School?
- He misses his family and farm.
- He is afraid of the school's strict teachers.
- He fears his classmates will discover he is a third child.
- He is worried about failing his classes.
Show answer
C. He fears his classmates will discover he is a third child. Luke's biggest fear is that his true identity as a third child will be discovered, which would lead to capture by the Population Police.
Question 3
What unusual architectural feature does Luke notice about Hendricks School?
- All the walls are made of glass.
- There are no doors, only archways.
- There are no windows anywhere in the building.
- The entire school is underground.
Show answer
C. There are no windows anywhere in the building. Luke notes that there isn't a single window in the school, contributing to his disorientation and lack of connection to the outside world.
Question 4
Which character initially helps Luke understand some of the school's dynamics and secrets?
- Mr. Talbot
- Jackal Face
- Carlos
- Jason
Show answer
C. Carlos Carlos is one of the first boys to interact with Luke, initially teasing him but later providing crucial information about the school's rules and secrets.
Question 5
What is the primary theme explored through Luke's experiences at Hendricks School?
- The importance of academic excellence.
- The struggle for identity and self-discovery in a restrictive society.
- The dangers of technological advancement.
- The joy of making new friends.
Show answer
B. The struggle for identity and self-discovery in a restrictive society. Luke's journey at Hendricks is centered on finding his place and understanding who he is, both as a third child and as an individual, amidst the rules of a totalitarian government.
Question 6
What does Luke discover when he finds an unlocked door to the outside?
- That the school is surrounded by a dense forest.
- That the school is part of a larger complex, possibly a Population Police training facility.
- That he can easily escape and go home.
- That the school is located in a bustling city.
Show answer
B. That the school is part of a larger complex, possibly a Population Police training facility. Upon venturing outside, Luke realizes that Hendricks is not an isolated school but part of a much larger, guarded compound, raising suspicions about its true purpose.
Question 7
What is the 'Population Police' and what is their role in society?
- They are a benevolent organization that provides food to families.
- They are the enforcement arm of the government, tasked with eliminating third children.
- They are a group of revolutionaries fighting against the government.
- They are a school disciplinary committee.
Show answer
B. They are the enforcement arm of the government, tasked with eliminating third children. The Population Police are the feared governmental agency responsible for enforcing the two-child policy and apprehending any illegal third children.
Question 8
What is the ultimate secret revealed about Hendricks School for Boys?
- It is a secret military training camp.
- It is a front for a black market operation.
- It is a facility designed to recruit and train third children to work for the Population Police.
- It is a rehabilitation center for juvenile delinquents.
Show answer
C. It is a facility designed to recruit and train third children to work for the Population Police. Luke discovers that Hendricks is not just a school, but a place where third children are identified, trained, and coerced into becoming agents for the very government that persecutes them.
Question 9
How does Luke demonstrate his growing courage throughout the novel?
- By winning a sports competition against older boys.
- By conforming completely to the school's rules and never questioning authority.
- By actively investigating the school's secrets and risking exposure.
- By running away from the school at the first opportunity.
Show answer
C. By actively investigating the school's secrets and risking exposure. Luke, initially fearful, grows courageous by actively seeking answers, exploring forbidden areas, and confronting the truth about Hendricks, despite the immense personal risk.
Question 10
What is the significance of the hazing and confusion Luke experiences from his classmates and teachers?
- It is a normal part of all boarding schools.
- It is designed to break down the boys' individual identities and make them easier to control.
- It is a test of their physical endurance.
- It is a way for the boys to bond and form friendships.
Show answer
B. It is designed to break down the boys' individual identities and make them easier to control. The hazing, the lack of distinction between boys, and the apparent obliviousness of teachers contribute to a system designed to strip the third children of their individuality and make them more compliant to the Population Police's agenda.
Among the Impostors FAQ
What is Luke Garner's primary challenge at Hendricks School for Boys?
Luke's main challenge is maintaining his disguise as Lee Grant while navigating a completely new and intimidating environment. He constantly fears being discovered as a third child, which would lead to his capture and likely death by the Population Police.
Who is Lee Grant, and what happened to him?
Lee Grant was a wealthy, privileged boy who died in a skiing accident. Luke assumes his identity, using Lee's deceased status to gain a legal identity and attend Hendricks School, a crucial step in his journey out of hiding.
What is the significance of the Population Police in Luke's world?
The Population Police enforce the strict two-child policy, making any 'third child' an illegal existence. They are the ultimate threat to Luke and others like him, representing the oppressive government and the constant danger of discovery.
How does Luke initially perceive his classmates at Hendricks?
Luke initially finds his classmates bewildering and indistinguishable, especially due to the lack of windows and natural light. He struggles with their brutal hazing and teasing, feeling isolated and desperate to fit in despite their cruelty.
What secret does Luke uncover about Hendricks School for Boys?
Luke discovers that Hendricks is not just a regular boarding school, but a place where many of the students are also 'third children' like himself, hiding in plain sight under assumed identities. The school serves as a cover for their existence.
Who is Mr. Talbot, and what is his role at Hendricks?
Mr. Talbot is the headmaster of Hendricks School. He is later revealed to be a key figure in the underground movement helping third children, using the school as a safe haven and a means to give them new identities and a chance at life.
What is the true purpose of the hazing rituals at Hendricks?
The hazing rituals, while appearing cruel, serve a dual purpose: to establish a pecking order among the boys and, more subtly, to test their resilience and ability to keep secrets. It also helps in maintaining the facade of a normal, if harsh, boarding school.
How does Carlos's character provide a contrast to Luke?
Carlos is initially a bully, but he is also a third child who has adapted to his new identity and the school's harsh environment with more ease than Luke. He represents a more cynical, self-preserving approach to survival, contrasting with Luke's initial naiveté and fear.
What is the significance of the 'Baron' and the 'Baroness' nicknames among the boys?
The 'Baron' and 'Baroness' are nicknames for the highest-ranking students in the school's unofficial hierarchy. They signify power and influence among the boys, often leading the hazing and dictating social dynamics, though their authority is ultimately superficial.
How does Luke's isolation in his childhood home affect his adaptation to Hendricks?
Luke's extreme isolation makes him socially awkward, naive, and overly fearful, initially hindering his adaptation. However, it also instills in him a deep desire for connection and freedom, driving his courage to investigate and uncover the school's secrets.
Discuss the psychological impact of assuming a new identity like 'Lee Grant' on Luke.
Assuming Lee Grant's identity forces Luke to suppress his true self and constantly live in fear of exposure. This creates immense psychological pressure, blurring his sense of self and compelling him to act in ways that are not authentically his own.
How does the constant threat of the Population Police shape the behavior and mindset of the third children?
The omnipresent threat of the Population Police instills a deep-seated fear and paranoia in the third children, forcing them to be secretive, distrustful, and constantly on guard. It also fosters a sense of solidarity and desperation among those who share the secret.
What role does courage play in Luke's journey throughout the book?
Courage is central to Luke's journey, evolving from a timid boy to someone willing to take risks. He must overcome his innate fears to investigate the school, confront his bullies, and ultimately embrace his role in the larger fight for third children's rights.
Is Hendricks School a truly 'safe' place, or merely a temporary refuge?
Hendricks is a temporary refuge, not a truly safe place. While it offers a legal identity and a cover, the students are still in constant danger of discovery, and the ultimate goal is to move them beyond the school to even greater freedom, highlighting its transitional nature.
How does the lack of windows and natural light at Hendricks symbolize the students' lives?
The absence of windows symbolizes the students' hidden, confined lives, cut off from the outside world and true freedom. It reflects their metaphorical 'darkness' and the government's attempts to keep them unseen and unknown.
What ethical dilemmas are presented by the system of creating new identities for third children?
The system presents ethical dilemmas regarding deception, the erasure of original identities, and the potential for psychological harm to the children. It forces them to live a lie, raising questions about the cost of survival versus authenticity.
How does the book challenge the notion of 'normalcy' in a dystopian society?
The book challenges normalcy by showing how a seemingly 'normal' school environment can hide a dark truth and how 'normal' societal rules (like the two-child policy) are inherently unjust. It forces readers to question what is truly normal or acceptable.
Could the teachers and staff at Hendricks be considered complicit in the system, or are they also rebels?
The teachers and staff, under Mr. Talbot's direction, are revealed to be rebels, actively working against the Population Police. Their seemingly oblivious nature is a deliberate facade to protect the third children and maintain the school's cover, making them part of the resistance.
About the author
Margaret Peterson Haddix is an American author known for her works of children's and young adult fiction. Some of her notable books include "Among the Hidden," "Just Ella," "Among the Impostors," "Among the Betrayed," "Running Out of Time," and "Among the Brave." Her stories often explore themes of identity, freedom, and the consequences of societal rules.
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