Uglies Characters

The protagonist of the novel. Tally is a 15-year-old ugly who looks forward to her birthday, at which point she (like all 16-year-olds in her society) will receive an operation that makes her pretty… read analysis of Tally Youngblood

A young ugly whom Tally meets one night while sneaking out, as they both try to sneak back across the river to Uglyville. Shay has the same birthday as Tally, and since they’re both the… read analysis of Shay

David functions as the Smoke’s ringleader and figurehead, though he’s not the one who started the civilization—his parents, Maddy and Az, did. However, because Maddy and Az are old enough to scare young… read analysis of David

The antagonist of the novel. She’s a Special who works for Special Circumstances, a secret police force of sorts that monitors uglies’ antics within the city and also tries to infiltrate the Smoke… read analysis of Dr. Cable

Tally’s best childhood friend who turned pretty a few months before the novel begins. He and Tally knew they’d be friends from the moment they met and they even made a blood promise to… read analysis of Peris

David’s dad and Maddy’s husband. Az and David look a lot alike, something that shocks Tally at first, since pretty surgery tends to eliminate physical quirks that get passed down among family members… read analysis of Az

One of Shay’s older friends who escapes to the Smoke not long before Tally and Shay meet. According to Tally, Croy is wildly unattractive and really needs to undergo pretty surgery. However, as Tally… read analysis of Croy

The librarian at the Smoke. He’s about 40 and, in Tally’s eyes, is unspeakably ugly: he has milky eyes, saggy skin, shuffles around, and his hands are claw-like. Tally notes that the Boss… read analysis of The Boss

Tally’s father. Sol is a middle pretty who, most of the time, exudes wisdom and competence, and he insists that it’s important for individuals to think only about themselves and doing what’s right—Tally’s desire… read analysis of Sol

Tally’s mother. Ellie is a middle pretty and to Tally, seems like the perfect mom. She encourages Tally to work with Special Circumstances and seems to genuinely believe that Shay is in danger. Later… read analysis of Ellie