List of Characters

Role Identification

Todd Hewitt

Todd Hewitt is the protagonist of The Knife of Never Letting Go. He is a 12-year-old boy who is the last boy in Prentisstown and can hear everyone's thoughts.

Viola Eade

Viola Eade is the deuteragonist of the book. She is a girl who has crash-landed on New World and is the only girl in a town of men.

Mayor Prentiss

Mayor Prentiss serves as the primary antagonist in the story. He is the cunning and manipulative leader of Prentisstown.

Ben Moore, Aaron, Hildy

These characters play supporting roles in the narrative, influencing and shaping the protagonist's journey.

Character Descriptions

Todd Hewitt

Todd is a young boy on the verge of manhood, grappling with the chaos of hearing everyone’s thoughts in a world where privacy is nonexistent. He is depicted as brave, compassionate, and fiercely loyal to those he cares about.

Viola Eade

Viola is a resilient and resourceful girl who finds herself in a foreign and dangerous environment. She is portrayed as intelligent, independent, and determined to survive despite the challenges she faces.

Mayor Prentiss

Mayor Prentiss is a complex and enigmatic character who wields power with a manipulative and controlling demeanor. He is depicted as calculating, authoritative, and willing to go to extreme lengths to maintain his dominance.

Ben Moore, Aaron, Hildy

These supporting characters each bring their own unique traits and motivations to the story, influencing the protagonist's experiences and decisions.

Character Traits

Todd Hewitt

• Brave
• Compassionate
• Loyal
• Determined
• Impulsive

Viola Eade

• Resilient
• Resourceful
• Intelligent
• Independent
• Courageous

Mayor Prentiss

• Manipulative
• Authoritative
• Calculating
• Ruthless
• Charismatic

Ben Moore, Aaron, Hildy

Each of these supporting characters exhibits distinct traits that contribute to the dynamics of the narrative.

Character Background

Todd Hewitt

Todd grew up in the town of Prentisstown, where a germ unleashed a phenomenon called "Noise," exposing everyone's thoughts. As the last boy in town, he grapples with the weight of being the only one of his kind and the constant cacophony of Noise.

Viola Eade

Viola's background is initially shrouded in mystery, as she arrives on New World as the only girl, having survived a crash landing. Her resilience and adaptability stem from her experiences prior to the events of the book.

Mayor Prentiss

As the leader of Prentisstown, Mayor Prentiss wields immense influence and control. His background is intertwined with the history of Prentisstown, and his rise to power reveals a complex and troubled past.

Ben Moore, Aaron, Hildy

The backgrounds of these supporting characters are woven into the fabric of Prentisstown, each with their own experiences and connections to the tumultuous world they inhabit.

Character Arcs

Todd Hewitt

Todd's character arc revolves around his journey from naivety to understanding the complexities of the world around him. He undergoes a transformation as he grapples with the truth about Prentisstown and the nature of his abilities.

Viola Eade

Viola's character arc is defined by her adaptation to the challenges of New World. Her resilience is tested as she navigates the dangers and uncertainties of her new environment, shaping her growth and development.

Mayor Prentiss

Mayor Prentiss undergoes a compelling character arc that delves into the depths of his manipulative nature and the motivations driving his actions. His evolution throughout the narrative reveals layers of complexity and moral ambiguity.

Ben Moore, Aaron, Hildy

Each supporting character experiences their own arcs, influencing and being influenced by the events unfolding in the story.

Relationships

Todd Hewitt and Viola Eade

Todd and Viola form a deep bond as they navigate the perils of New World together, their relationship evolving from initial distrust to a steadfast partnership built on trust and mutual reliance.

Todd Hewitt and Mayor Prentiss

The relationship between Todd and Mayor Prentiss is fraught with tension and conflict, characterized by the power dynamics at play and the revelation of hidden truths that reshape their interactions.

Viola Eade and Mayor Prentiss

Viola's encounters with Mayor Prentiss are marked by a sense of unease and the underlying power struggle between them, creating a dynamic rife with suspicion and manipulation.

Supporting Characters

The supporting characters intertwine with the protagonist, influencing their decisions and contributing to the intricate web of relationships that shape the narrative.

The characters in The Knife of Never Letting Go are intricately woven into a narrative that explores themes of identity, power, and resilience. Each character's journey contributes to the rich tapestry of storytelling, offering readers a compelling exploration of human nature and the complexities of relationships in the face of adversity.