The Chosen Character Analysis

Reuven Malter

The novel’s narrator and protagonist, Reuven grows up over the course of the novel, starting as fifteen year old and ending as a college graduate. He is an Orthodox Jew living in Williamsburg, Brooklyn with… read analysis of Reuven Malter

Danny Saunders

Danny is the other protagonist of the novel and Reuven’s best friend. They despise each other at the start, but quickly become close confidants. Danny desperately needs a friend like Reuven as he has… read analysis of Danny Saunders

David Malter

Reuven’s father and an Orthodox Jew, Mr. Malter teaches Jewish studies and writes academic papers on the subject. He has created an educated and religious home for his son and teaches him from early… read analysis of David Malter

Reb Isaac Saunders

The religious leader, or tzaddic, of his Hasidic community in Williamsburg, Reb Saunders feels a great weight on his shoulders for the entirety of the novel. He is a very strict Hasid, who puts great… read analysis of Reb Isaac Saunders

Mr. Galanter

Reuven’s softball coach, who is of fighting age but mysteriously not a soldier. He makes frequent allusions to battle and war during their game, calling his players “soldiers,” which only brings more attention to… read analysis of Mr. Galanter

Rav Gershenson

An Orthodox rabbi and the professor of the highest-level Talmud course at Hirsch College. He teaches both Reuven and Danny and is a formidable and intimidating presence at the school. Reuven comes to learn that… read analysis of Rav Gershenson

Professor Nathan Appleman

Danny’s psychology teacher at Hirsch College, Appleman teaches his students the value of experimental psychology, which must be backed up by data and tests. Danny hates this at first, but after he talks with… read analysis of Professor Nathan Appleman

Billy Merrit

The blonde, angelic and blind boy in the bed next to Reuven’s in the hospital. Billy is eternally hopeful and sweet and talks about how he is going to receive a new surgery to… read analysis of Billy Merrit

Minor Characters

Levi Saunders

Reb Saunders’ son and Danny’s brother, Levi is a sickly child who never speaks in the entire novel. He is also second in line after Danny to take his father’s place as tzaddic.

Manya

The Malter’s Russian housekeeper and cook who tends the house for Reuven and his father.

Tony Savo

The boxer Reuven meets while in the hospital, Mr. Savo shows an outside perspective from the highly educated, Jewish population of the novel. Mr. Savo, who eventually has to have his eye removed, regrets becoming a boxer and warns Reuven to be wary of “religious fanatics” like Danny.

Roger Merrit

Billy’s father who was driving the car when his wife died and son was blinded. He is not fighting in the war because he has to take care of his children.

Dr. Snydman

Reuven’s doctor who also treats Mr. Savo and Billy. He successfully operates on Reuven’s eye.

Mickey

A little boy in the hospital who plays catch with Tony Savo. Mickey has been in the hospital his whole life because of a stomach condition.

Sidney Goldberg

Reuven’s friend and fellow softball player.

Davey Cantor

A player on Reuven’s baseball team who warns Reuven about the rough tendencies of Danny and his softball team.

Dov Shlomowitz

A giant player on Danny’s Hasidic softball team.

Mrs. Carpenter

The kind yet stern nurse at Brooklyn Memorial Hospital.

Solomon Maimon

An 18th century Polish Jew who left Hasidism to study philosophy in Germany. In spite of his brilliance he was never content and died alone in France in the home of a kindly Christian friend. David Malter tells Reuven in chapter 6 that Danny reminds him of Solomon Maimon.

The Chosen Characters