"UnDivided" Characters Analysis

List of Characters in "UnDivided" by Neal Shusterman

Role Identification

Protagonists

The protagonists of "UnDivided" are Connor Lassiter, Risa Ward, and Lev Calder. Each character represents a different facet of resistance against the Unwinding system. Cam, a composite human, also fulfills a protagonist role while struggling with his identity.

Antagonists

Starkey serves as the main human antagonist, representing the dangers of radicalization within resistance movements. Roberta, an adult authority figure, represents scientific manipulation and the dark side of progress.

Supporting Characters

Characters such as Hayden, Grace, Miracolina, Una, and Bam play pivotal roles in both supporting and challenging the main characters, enriching the narrative and providing various perspectives on the central conflict.

Character Descriptions

Connor Lassiter

Connor is the iconic "Akron AWOL" who has become the face of the Anti-Unwind movement. Throughout the series, and especially in "UnDivided," he is portrayed as a natural leader, driven by a deep sense of justice and the need to protect others. Connor’s resourcefulness and decisiveness make him a symbol of hope for unwinds everywhere.

Risa Ward

Risa is Connor’s confidante and love interest. She is a former ward of the state, marked for unwinding due to cost-cutting measures. Risa is highly intelligent, compassionate, and skilled in medical care. She serves as Connor’s moral compass and often brings a pragmatic perspective to their plans.

Lev Calder

Lev begins the series as a "tithe"—a child raised for unwinding as a religious offering. By the time of "UnDivided," Lev has rejected this destiny, emerging as a significant leader among both tithes and the wider resistance. Lev’s journey is defined by his struggle to reconcile his beliefs with the new realities he faces.

Camus Comprix (Cam)

Cam is the world’s first "rewound"—a person assembled entirely from the parts of unwound teens. He is a being of contradictions, struggling to define his own sense of self. Cam’s arc revolves around his search for identity and the right to exist as his own person, independent of his creators.

Starkey (Mason Michael Starkey)

Starkey is an ambitious, charismatic leader of the Stork Brigade, a splinter group within the resistance. He is driven by a desire for power and recognition, often at the expense of others. Starkey’s manipulative nature makes him a dangerous opponent, even to those on his own side.

Hayden Upchurch

Hayden is known for his sharp intellect and dry humor. He is a strategist, often serving as the voice of reason within the group. Hayden’s unique perspective on the world offers both comic relief and critical analysis of unfolding events.

Grace Skinner

Grace, a savant with extraordinary pattern recognition abilities, is fiercely loyal to Connor. Her innocence contrasts sharply with the violence of the world around her, and her insights often prove invaluable.

Roberta

Roberta is an adult scientist involved in the creation and manipulation of Cam. She represents the cold, calculating side of progress, willing to sacrifice ethics for scientific achievement.

Miracolina Roselli

Miracolina is a tithe who undergoes a profound transformation. Her religious conviction is challenged by her experiences, leading her to develop empathy for those she once would have condemned.

Una

Una is a steadfast ally of Cam. Her loyalty and strength provide much-needed support during Cam’s most vulnerable moments.

Bam

Bam is a fierce fighter and loyal member of Starkey’s group. Her actions reflect both the camaraderie and the brutality of the resistance movement.

Character Traits

Character Background

Connor Lassiter

Connor comes from a dysfunctional family, and his impending unwinding is a result of parental frustration rather than criminal intent. His background fuels his distrust of authority and his desire to prove his worth. Connor’s experiences as a fugitive shape him into a resilient and innovative leader.

Risa Ward

Risa is a product of the state home system, marked for unwinding due to budget cuts rather than personal flaws. Her background instills in her a strong sense of justice and empathy for the underprivileged. Her medical skills, learned out of necessity, become vital to the resistance.

Lev Calder

Lev is the youngest of ten children in a religious family, raised as a "tithe"—a child sacrificed for religious reasons. His journey from blind faith to self-determination is shaped by the trauma of his intended unwinding and subsequent survival.

Camus Comprix

Cam’s background is unique—he is not born, but created. Composed of the best parts of dozens of unwound teens, Cam’s existence questions the very notion of individuality and humanity. His struggle is to find purpose and acceptance in a world that sees him as an experiment.

Starkey

Starkey is abandoned as a baby and marked for unwinding as a teenager. His background of neglect and rejection fuels his anger and need for recognition, making him susceptible to radicalization.

Hayden Upchurch

Hayden hails from privilege but is marked for unwinding due to a loophole in the law. His background gives him a unique perspective on both sides of the socio-political divide.

Grace Skinner

Grace’s background is marked by a troubled family life and a brain condition that gives her unique cognitive abilities. Her loyalty to Connor stems from his acceptance of her differences.

Roberta

Roberta’s background is rooted in scientific achievement. Her ambition drives her to push the ethical boundaries of her work, particularly in her treatment of Cam.

Miracolina

Miracolina is raised in a devout family and embraces her role as a tithe. Her near-unwinding and subsequent rescue challenge her beliefs, prompting profound personal growth.

Una

Una’s background is less detailed, but she is depicted as a survivor with a strong sense of loyalty. She is quick to act and fiercely protective of those she cares about.

Bam

Bam’s tough exterior is a result of a hard life marked by abandonment and survival. Her loyalty to Starkey is rooted in a shared sense of alienation.

Character Arcs

Connor Lassiter

Connor’s arc is one of growth from a rebellious teenager to a true leader. In "UnDivided," he faces the challenge of uniting disparate resistance groups, confronting his own limitations, and making sacrifices for the greater good. Connor must reconcile his need for control with the necessity of trust.

Risa Ward

Risa’s journey is marked by her struggle to balance personal desires with the needs of the movement. Her arc in "UnDivided" involves confronting the implications of Cam’s existence and her feelings for both Connor and Cam. Ultimately, Risa reaffirms her commitment to the cause and her belief in human dignity.

Lev Calder

Lev’s arc is defined by his quest for redemption and meaning. Having survived his tithe experience, Lev seeks to help others avoid the fate he barely escaped. His relationship with Miracolina and his role in the resistance force him to face his past and embrace his own agency.

Camus Comprix

Cam’s arc is a poignant exploration of identity. He moves from being a tool of others to asserting his right to self-determination. His love for Risa and interactions with Una, Roberta, and the world at large push him to challenge the prejudices and expectations imposed upon him.

Starkey

Starkey’s arc is a cautionary tale of ambition unchecked by morality. His rise and fall illustrate the dangers of ego and the destructive potential of charismatic, radical leaders.

Hayden Upchurch

Hayden’s arc involves his transition from a passive observer to an active participant. Through his alliance with Connor and Grace, Hayden learns to take risks and accept responsibility for the movement’s direction.

Grace Skinner

Grace’s arc is subtler but significant. Her growing confidence and ability to contribute meaningfully to the resistance reflect her personal growth and the acceptance she finds among friends.

Roberta

Roberta’s arc demonstrates the ethical blind spots of scientific progress. Her manipulation of Cam and disregard for his autonomy serve as a critique of dehumanizing technological advancements.

Miracolina

Miracolina’s arc centers on her ideological transformation. She moves from zealous belief in tithehood to a broader understanding of compassion and choice.

Una

Una’s arc is closely tied to Cam’s. Her loyalty and steadfastness help Cam define his own path, and she grows in confidence as a protector and friend.

Bam

Bam’s arc reflects her struggle between loyalty to Starkey and her own moral compass. Her journey illustrates the cost of following a flawed leader.

Relationships

Connor and Risa

Connor and Risa’s relationship is central to the narrative. Their mutual respect, love, and shared trauma create a partnership built on trust and equality. Their differences in temperament and perspective often lead to conflict, but their bond strengthens as they navigate the perils of the resistance.

Connor and Lev

Connor and Lev’s relationship is complex, marked by initial mistrust but evolving into deep mutual respect. Lev’s ideological journey is influenced by Connor’s pragmatism, while Connor learns to appreciate Lev’s idealism.

Connor and Cam

Connor’s interactions with Cam are fraught with tension. Connor’s skepticism about Cam’s humanity contrasts with Cam’s desire for acceptance, reflecting the broader theme of what it means to be human.

Risa and Cam

Risa’s relationship with Cam is complicated by Cam’s origins and his feelings for her. Risa’s empathy allows her to see Cam as a person, not just an experiment, but she is ultimately torn between her loyalty to Connor and her compassion for Cam.

Lev and Miracolina

Lev and Miracolina share a bond rooted in their shared experience as tithes. Their relationship is transformative for both, challenging their beliefs and fostering growth.

Cam and Roberta

Cam’s relationship with Roberta is adversarial. Roberta’s view of Cam as her creation clashes with Cam’s fight for autonomy.

Cam and Una

Una supports Cam unconditionally, providing emotional and practical support. Their friendship helps Cam realize his own worth.

Starkey and Bam

Starkey and Bam’s relationship is based on shared goals, but Bam’s loyalty is tested as Starkey’s actions become more ruthless.

Hayden and Grace

Hayden and Grace form a sibling-like bond. Hayden’s mentorship helps Grace develop confidence, and Grace’s abilities are instrumental to the group’s success.

In-Depth Character Table

Analysis of Main Character Arcs

Connor Lassiter

Connor’s arc is the heart of "UnDivided." He learns to trust others, delegate, and see the bigger picture. His leadership is tested by internal divisions, personal loss, and the overwhelming odds against him. By the end, Connor emerges as a symbol of resilience and the possibility of change, having grown beyond his initial anger and impulsiveness.

Risa Ward

Risa’s arc is defined by her struggle to retain her humanity in the face of systemic dehumanization. Her medical skills, empathy, and intelligence make her indispensable. Risa’s feelings for both Connor and Cam complicate her emotional journey, but she ultimately chooses to fight for a world where individuals are valued for their intrinsic worth.

Lev Calder

Lev’s journey is spiritual and existential. He must overcome the guilt of surviving as a tithe and redefine his faith in a way that empowers rather than destroys. Lev’s leadership of the tithes and his relationship with Miracolina reflect his growth into a compassionate, self-assured advocate.

Camus Comprix

Cam’s struggle is internal and philosophical. As a being created from unwound parts, he is denied legal rights and personal autonomy. His determination to assert his own existence challenges societal prejudices and forces those around him to confront uncomfortable truths about identity and humanity.

Starkey

Starkey’s arc is a devolution. His charisma and leadership skills are undermined by his narcissism and lack of empathy. Starkey’s downfall serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of radicalization and unchecked ambition.

Relationships and Their Impact

Connor and Risa

Their relationship is based on mutual respect and shared purpose. Together, they embody the movement’s ideals. Their trust and love help sustain them through hardship and loss, reinforcing the narrative’s focus on the value of human connection.

Connor and Lev

The evolution of their relationship from suspicion to partnership mirrors the broader unification of the resistance. Their complementary strengths—pragmatism and faith—prove essential to their survival and success.

Risa and Cam

Risa’s compassion for Cam is a crucial factor in his journey toward self-acceptance. Their dynamic raises questions about what constitutes personhood and the ethics of technological progress.

Lev and Miracolina

Their bond illustrates the possibility of transformation through empathy and shared experience. Together, they represent hope for reconciliation and understanding across ideological divides.

Hayden and Grace

Their relationship highlights the importance of recognizing and nurturing hidden talents. Grace’s abilities, often overlooked, become vital, while Hayden’s mentorship helps her flourish.

Conclusion

"UnDivided" by Neal Shusterman presents a rich tapestry of characters, each grappling with the consequences of a society built on the commodification of human life. The novel’s character arcs are interwoven, demonstrating the complexity of resistance, the cost of ambition, and the transformative power of empathy and connection.

Every character, from Connor and Risa to Cam and Starkey, is shaped by their backgrounds, relationships, and the choices they make. Their journeys illuminate the central theme: the struggle to assert individuality and dignity in a world that seeks to divide and dehumanize. Through their triumphs and failures, "UnDivided" offers a powerful meditation on the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring hope for a more just and compassionate world.