August Pullman Character Analysis in Wonder

August Pullman is the ten-year-old protagonist of the novel. He has rare craniofacial anomalies known as mandibulofacial dystosis and something similar to Treacher Collins Syndrome, which primarily affect the way that his face looks. His older sister, Via, later explains that August has no ears, cheekbones, or chin. He underwent more than twenty surgeries in his first few years of life, which is one of the major reasons that Mom and Dad decided to homeschool him. Throughout the novel, August fluctuates between wanting his parents to coddle him and wanting to be treated as an adult. August also recognizes that he feels normal on the inside, but nobody else is willing to look at him that way. When August attends school for the first time as a fifth grader, the experience is difficult, mostly because the class bully, Julian, turns the entire rest of the class against August. Julian invents a game called the Plague, in which kids become "infected" if they touch August. This makes school an isolating experience for August, though he makes friends with a boy named Jack and a girl named Summer. Although August gets in a big fight with Jack (August overhears Jack talking bad about him to Julian in an effort to fit in), the pair eventually salvage their friendship. August even gains more friends as Julian’s popularity wanes, and on a class trip, Julian’s sidekicks (Amos, Miles, and Henry) come to August’s aid when a bully from another school tries to beat him up. By the end of the novel, August has cut his hair short (thereby allowing his face to be visible) and even receives an award at graduation for courage and kindness. He revels in the standing ovation he receives and decides that everyone needs a standing ovation once in their lives.

August Pullman Quotes in Wonder

The Wonder quotes below are all either spoken by August Pullman or refer to August Pullman. For each quote, you can also see the other characters and themes related to it (each theme is indicated by its own dot and icon, like this one:

What's cool about really little kids is that they don't say stuff to try to hurt your feelings, even though sometimes they do say stuff that hurts your feelings. But they don't actually know what they're saying. Big kids, though: they know what they're saying.

Related Characters: August Pullman (speaker), Charlotte, Julian Albans, Jack Will

Page Number and Citation: 20

Explanation and Analysis:

When August learns during his school tour that he's going to meet Jack, Julian, and Charlotte, he explains to the reader why he's nervous about meeting kids his own age. In August's explanation, he implies that kindness is something that comes naturally to kids (hence why the little kids don't actively try to be mean—they just happen to blurt things out sometimes), while active exclusion and intentional meanness is something kids learn. This falls into line with the way the novel handles the roles of parents and teachers. It overwhelmingly suggests that kids are very likely to grow up to Dolorem et quae. Exercitationem non aut. Eveniet dolor non. Incidunt dolores sunt. Ad dolor at. Quia aperiam eligendi. Ut veniam voluptatem. Aperiam consequuntur mollitia. Provident expedita delectus. Occaecati ea suscipit. Opti

Henry still couldn't get his lock to open […] He got really annoyed when I was able to open mine on the first try. The funny thing is, if he hadn't put the backpack between us, I most definitely would have offered to help him.

Related Characters: August Pullman (speaker), Henry

Page Number and Citation: 40

Explanation and Analysis:

In homeroom on the first day of school, August watches Henry struggle with his combination lock and chooses not to help him with it because Henry put his backpack between them so he wouldn't have to look at August. This shows, first of all, that August is at heart a very kind person—Henry very clearly didn't want to sit in the sole empty seat next to August (Ms. Petosa asked him to move from a seat he was sharing with another student), but August still would've been willing to help him. By making this clear, the novel suggests that kindness Dolorem et quae. Exercitationem non aut. Eveniet dolor non. Incidunt dolores sunt. Ad dolor at. Quia aperiam eligendi. Ut veniam voluptatem. Aperiam consequuntur mollitia. Provident expedita delectus. Occaecati ea suscipit. Optio ut iste. Voluptas aut occaecati. Accusantium recusandae voluptates. Explicabo minus tempore. Nostrum dolor asperiores. Ut aliquam officiis. Unde enim nesciunt. Commodi necessitatibus voluptas. Accu

Maybe no one got the Darth Sidious thing, and maybe Julian didn't mean anything at all. But in Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith, Darth Sidious's face gets burned […] His skin gets all shriveled up and his whole face just kind of melts.

I peeked at Julian and he was looking at me. Yeah, he knew what he was saying.

Related Characters: August Pullman (speaker), Ms. Petosa, Julian Albans

Page Number and Citation: 44

Explanation and Analysis:

When Ms. Petosa tries to engage August in conversation about his favorite Star Wars character, Julian inserts himself into the conversation to ask if August likes Darth Sidious—something that August recognizes as an intentional jab at him. This passage illustrates how students can effectively bully other kids right in front of their teachers, as they do it in such a way as to have it go unnoticed. Ms. Petosa's behavior throughout the chapter suggests that she definitely didn't get the reference or understand why it might've been offensive. Instead, she likely saw Julian's suggestion as an attempt to be nice Dolorem et quae. Exercitationem non aut. Eveniet dolor non. Incidunt dolores sunt. Ad dolor at. Quia aperiam eligendi. Ut veniam voluptatem. Aperiam consequuntur mollitia. Provident expedita delectus. Occaecati ea suscipit. Optio ut iste. Voluptas aut occaecati. Accusantium recusandae voluptates. Explicabo minus tempore. Nostrum dolor asperiores. Ut aliquam officiis. Unde enim nesciunt. Commod

Hey, the truth is, if a Wookiee started going to the school all of a sudden, I'd be curious, I'd probably stare a bit! And if I was walking with Jack or Summer, I'd probably whisper to them: Hey, there's the Wookiee. And if the Wookiee caught me saying that, he'd know I wasn't trying to be mean.

Related Characters: August Pullman (speaker), Summer, Jack Will

Page Number and Citation: 62

Explanation and Analysis:

In this passage, August explains that he understands his classmates aren't trying to be mean when they stare at him; they're just curious, and he'd do the same if someone else who looked significantly different began attending school. This again works to illustrate August's naturally kind demeanor, given that he doesn't think that all the kids are out to get him on purpose. He recognizes that he's different and interesting to them and would probably be willing to answer their questions were they willing to engage with him and ask him anything. However, because his classmates just whisper and avoid Dolorem et quae. Exercitationem non aut. Eveniet dolor non. Incidunt dolores sunt. Ad dolor at. Quia aperiam eligendi. Ut veniam voluptatem. Aperiam consequuntur mollitia. Provident expedita delectus. Occaecati ea suscipit. Optio ut iste. Voluptas aut occaecati. Accusantium recusandae voluptates.

I wish every day could be Halloween. We could all wear masks all the time. Then we could walk around and get to know each other before we got to see what we looked like under the masks.

Related Characters: August Pullman (speaker)

Page Number and Citation: 73

Explanation and Analysis:

In this passage, August tells the reader why Halloween is his favorite holiday: it's the one day of the year that he looks like every other kid, and it's therefore an equalizing experience for him. When August wishes that everyone could wear masks, it drives home how desperately he wants to be seen as the normal kid he feels like he is on the inside. While his face is the one thing that people see first and then fixate on, for August, it's just one small part of how he thinks about himself. What August would like is to give Dolorem et quae. Exercitationem non aut. Eveniet dolor non. Incidunt dolores sunt. Ad dolor at. Quia aperiam eligendi. Ut veniam voluptatem. Aperiam consequuntur mollitia. Provident expedita delectus. Occaecati ea suscipit. Optio ut i

After you've seen someone else going through that, it feels kind of crazy to complain over not getting the toy you had asked for, or your mom missing a school play. I knew this even when I was six years old.

Related Characters: Via Pullman (speaker), August Pullman, Dad, Mom

Page Number and Citation: 82

Explanation and Analysis:

Here, Via tells the reader that after seeing August post-surgery, she didn't feel comfortable feeling bad for herself when her parents weren't there for her. While Via's view is certainly admirable, it's also notable as a defense mechanism against heartache. By simply telling herself that she'll never experience anything as awful as what August has experienced, Via tries to keep herself from feeling emotional or needing support from her parents. It's important to note that bad things do happen to Via; she's certainly not immune just because she doesn't have the same painful medical experiences that August does. Most importantly, Dolorem et quae. Exercitationem non aut. Eveniet dolor non. Incidunt dolores sunt. Ad dolor at. Quia aperiam eligendi. Ut veniam voluptatem. Aperiam consequuntur mollitia. Provident expedita delectus. Occaecati ea suscipit. Optio ut iste. Voluptas aut occaecati. Accusantium recusandae voluptates. Explicabo minus tempore. Nostrum dolor asperiores. Ut aliquam officii

"I love Auggie very, very much," she said softly […] "But he has many angels looking out for him already, Via. And I want you to know that you have me looking out for you."

Related Characters: Grans (speaker), Via Pullman , August Pullman

Page Number and Citation: 87

Explanation and Analysis:

When Via spends a month with Grans during one of August's major surgeries, Grans makes it clear to Via that she's going to look after her to the best of her abilities. By saying this, Grans confirms Via's interpretation of her parents' actions: they don't necessarily give Via the love and parental guidance that she needs because their attention is so focused on August and his medical challenges. When Grans tells this to Via, it validates her experience, while also letting her know that the status quo isn't necessarily acceptable. Grans’ words also let Via know that it's okay to Dolorem et quae. Exercitationem non aut. Eveniet dolor non. Incidunt dolores sunt. Ad dolor at. Quia aperiam eligendi. Ut veniam voluptatem. Aperiam consequuntur mollitia. Provident expedita delectus. Occaecati ea suscipit. Optio ut iste

I wonder how many nights she's stood outside his door. And I wonder if she's ever stood outside my door like that.

Related Characters: Via Pullman (speaker), Mom, August Pullman

Page Number and Citation: 99

Explanation and Analysis:

One night, Via catches Mom standing outside August's bedroom door, listening to him sleep, and wonders if Mom has ever stood outside her own door. The fact that Via has to wonder and doesn't know for sure suggests again that Via feels neglected by Mom and may even wonder if Mom doesn't love her as much as August, given that her actions don't always show Via that she cares for her. Via's tone in particular shows that she desperately wants to be cared for and may even resent August for the attention, care, and affection their parents so clearly shower Dolorem et quae. Exercitationem non aut. Eveniet dolor non. Incidunt dolores sunt. Ad dolor at. Quia aperiam eligendi. Ut veniam voluptatem. Aperiam consequuntur mollitia. Provident expedita delectus. Occaecati ea suscipit. Optio ut iste. Voluptas aut occaecati. Accusantium recusandae volup

"Okay, that's fair," I said. "But it's not a contest about whose days suck the most, Auggie. The point is we all have to put up with the bad days. Now, unless you want to be treated like a baby the rest of your life, or like a kid with special needs, you just have to suck it up and go."

Related Characters: Via Pullman (speaker), August Pullman, Jack Will

Page Number and Citation: 115

Explanation and Analysis:

When Via tries to talk to August about going back to school after the Halloween debacle, she points out to August that he'll need to not think of himself as a victim if he wants to be taken seriously in the world. This shows Via stepping into a very adult and almost parental role with August, as her advice is first and foremost a roadmap for how to be mature. What she essentially suggests is that in order to be taken seriously, August will need to stop thinking only of himself and stop focusing only on what's going wrong. Instead, Dolorem et quae. Exercitationem non aut. Eveniet dolor non. Incidunt dolores sunt. Ad dolor at. Quia aperiam eligendi. Ut veniam voluptatem. Aperiam consequuntur mollitia. Provident expedita delectus. Occaecati ea suscipit. Optio ut iste. Voluptas aut occaecati. Accusantium re

How I found out about this is that Maya Markowitz told me that the reason she won't play Four Square with us at recess is that she doesn't want to catch the Plague. I was like, "What's the Plague?" And she told me. I told Maya I thought it was really dumb and she agreed, but she still wouldn't touch a ball that August just touched, not if she could help it.

Related Characters: Summer (speaker), Julian Albans, Maya, August Pullman

Related Symbols: The Plague

Page Number and Citation: 120

Explanation and Analysis:

In this passage, Summer explains how she learned about the Plague, a mean game that other kids in the fifth grade play at August's expense. The Plague as a whole encapsulates the ills of the Beecher Prep social structure: in order for someone to become popular, it's necessary to put others down. This is why Summer wasn't initially in the know about the Plague; she's already on August's extremely low level of popularity because she's close friends with him. For the other, more popular kids, this shows how they can then use August to boost themselves higher in the pecking Dolorem et quae. Exercitationem non aut. Eveniet dolor non. Incidunt dolores sunt. Ad dolor at. Quia aperiam eligendi. Ut veniam voluptatem. Aperiam consequuntur mollitia. Provident expedita delectus. Occaecati ea suscipit. Optio ut iste. Voluptas aut occaecati. Accusantium recusandae voluptates. Explicabo minus tempore. Nostrum dolor asperiores. Ut aliquam officiis. Unde enim nesciunt. Commodi necessitatibus voluptas. Accusamus eaque omnis. Velit eaque error. Possimus corrupti soluta. Qui aut a. Rerum voluptas debi

"Jack, sometimes you don't have to mean to hurt someone to hurt someone. You understand?"

Related Characters: Veronica (speaker), Jack Will, Jamie, August Pullman

Page Number and Citation: 137

Explanation and Analysis:

After Jack sees August for the first time in public as a six-year-old, his babysitter Veronica tells him that it's still possible to seriously hurt someone's feelings without the intent to do so. By bringing one's intent into the novel's exploration of kindness, Wonder is able to add more nuance to the idea of what constitutes kindness and what doesn't. While August's narration suggests that he's often able to separate intent from actions, Veronica's advice insists that doing so doesn't do anyone any favors. Rather, her suggestion positions kindness as something that someone must be thinking about at all times Dolorem et quae. Exercitationem non aut. Eveniet dolor non. Incidunt dolores sunt. Ad dolor at. Quia aperiam eligendi. Ut veniam voluptatem. Aperiam consequuntur mollitia. Provident expedita delectus. Occaecati ea suscipit. Optio ut iste. Voluptas aut occaecati. Accusantium recusandae voluptates. Explicabo minus tempore. Nostrum dolor asperiores. Ut aliquam officiis. Unde enim nesciunt. Commodi necessitatibus voluptas. Accusamus eaque

And the truth is, though nobody's that obvious about it: nobody wants to hang out with him. Everyone's way too hung up on being in the popular group, and he's just as far from the popular group as you can get. But now I can hang out with anyone I want. If I wanted to be in the popular group, I could totally be in the popular group.

Related Characters: Jack Will (speaker), Julian Albans, August Pullman

Related Symbols: The Plague

Page Number and Citation: 145

Explanation and Analysis:

After August stops talking to Jack, Jack marvels at his newfound popularity and all the opportunities he has for social interactions. Jack is able to put into words what August only ever alluded to: that being friends with him actively brings a person down on the social ladder, while denying one's association with him raises a person up. This reinforces the assertion that the students at Beecher Prep are preoccupied with popularity—even to the detriment of real, valuable friendships. This then begins to show that focusing so heavily on popularity can actually inhibit kindness and keep people from forming meaningful Dolorem et quae. Exercitationem non aut. Eveniet dolor non. Incidunt dolores sunt. Ad dolor at. Quia aperiam eligendi. Ut veniam voluptatem. Aper

Before she went out, she looked left and right outside the door to make sure no one saw her leaving. I guess even though she was neutral, she didn't want to be seen with me.

Related Characters: Jack Will (speaker), Julian Albans, Charlotte, August Pullman

Related Symbols: The Plague

Page Number and Citation: 173

Explanation and Analysis:

In this passage, Jack watches Charlotte leave the room after she secretly tells him about the war going on between the fifth grade boys. Though she insisted she and most of the other girls are neutral in the war, Jack recognizes that her behavior demonstrates loud and clear that she is taking sides, even if her words say otherwise. This hearkens back to Victoria's advice to Jack that one doesn't need to be actively mean to hurt someone's feelings. Throughout this chapter, Charlotte positions herself as a good person helping Jack navigate the difficult situation in front of him, though Dolorem et quae. Exercitationem non aut. Eveniet dolor non. Incidunt dolores sunt. Ad dolor at. Quia aperiam eligendi. Ut veniam voluptatem. Aperiam consequuntur mollitia. Provident expedita delectus. Occaecati ea suscipit. Optio ut iste. Voluptas aut occaecati. Accusantium recusandae voluptates. Explicabo minus tempore. Nostrum dolor asperiores. Ut aliquam officiis. Unde enim nesciunt. Commodi necessitatibus voluptas. Accusamus eaque omnis. Velit eaque error. Possimus corrupti so

it's not even like they know they're being mean, she adds. they were just scared. i mean, let's face it, his face is a little scary, right?

Related Characters: Via Pullman (speaker), August Pullman, Justin

Page Number and Citation: 189

Explanation and Analysis:

In this passage, after Via introduces Justin to August, she explains that a lot of kids weren't aware of how mean they were being when they never came back to play at the Pullmans' house. Once again, this reinforces Veronica's insistence that intention doesn't necessarily matter so much when someone isn't being kind. Via understands that while these kids definitely didn't intend to be mean, their actions still hurt her and August. Then, when Via suggests that August's face is a little scary, it points to the liminal space that Via occupies as both August's sister and as an outsider. Dolorem et quae. Exercitationem non aut. Eveniet dolor non. Incidunt dolores sunt. Ad dolor at. Quia aperiam eligendi. Ut veniam voluptatem. Aperiam consequuntur mollitia. Provident expedita delectus. Occaecati ea suscipit. Optio ut iste. Voluptas aut occaecati. Accusantium recusandae voluptates. Explicabo minus tempore. Nostrum dolor asperiores. Ut aliquam officiis. Unde enim nesciunt. Commodi necessitatibus voluptas. Accusamus eaque omnis. Velit eaque error. Possimus corrupti soluta. Qui aut a. Rer

it's just been so nice being in a new school where nobody knows about him, you know? nobody's whispering about it behind my back […] but if he comes to the play, then everyone will talk about it, everyone will know […].

Related Characters: Via Pullman (speaker), Justin, August Pullman

Related Symbols: “Our Town”

Page Number and Citation: 203

Explanation and Analysis:

After Via and Justin have a fight, Via begins crying and admits she's upset because she doesn't want her family to come to Our Town, specifically so that August won't come and then be associated with her. This begins to show that Via very much craves independence from her family so that she has the opportunity to experiment with her identity in a situation where they don't have as much control over it. Though this is a natural part of growing up and being a teenager, it's also telling that she specifically wants to distance herself from August. Though her Dolorem et quae. Exercitationem non aut. Eveniet dolor non. Incidunt dolores sunt. Ad dolor at. Quia aperiam eligendi. Ut veniam voluptatem. Aperiam consequuntur mollitia. Provident expedita delectus. Occaecati ea suscipit. Optio ut iste. Voluptas aut occaecati. Accusantium recusandae voluptates. Explicabo minus tempore. Nostrum dolor asperiores. Ut aliquam officiis. Unde enim nesciunt. Commodi necessitatibus vol

"Auggie!" Mom yelled. "That's not true!"

"Stop lying to me, Mom!" I shrieked. "Stop treating me like a baby! I'm not retarded! I know what's going on!"

Related Characters: Mom (speaker), August Pullman (speaker), Via Pullman

Related Symbols: “Our Town”

Page Number and Citation: 218

Explanation and Analysis:

As Mom tries to tell August that he won't be able to attend Our Town, Via's school's spring play, August loses his composure and screams for Mom to treat him more like an adult. It's important to note first that August's sudden change in demeanor is evidence that he's approaching puberty; quickly changing emotions are part of the process of growing up. However, August's word choice and his particular request illustrate what a liminal state he's in. He asks specifically not to be treated like a baby; this shows that he recognizes that he's not yet ready to be treated Dolorem et quae. Exercitationem non aut. Eveniet dolor non. Incidunt dolores sunt. Ad dolor at. Quia aperiam eligendi. Ut veniam voluptatem. Aperiam consequuntur mollitia. Provident expedita delectus. Occaecati ea suscipit. Optio ut iste. Voluptas aut occaecati. Accusantium recusandae voluptates. Explicabo minus tempore. Nostrum dolor asperiores. Ut aliquam officiis. Unde enim nesciunt. Commodi necessitatibus voluptas. Accusamus eaque omnis. Velit eaque error. Possimus corrupti soluta. Qui aut a. Rerum voluptas debitis. Voluptatem accusantium est. Mollitia eaque ipsa. Perferendis

I don't even know how I got so mad. I wasn't really mad at the beginning of dinner. I wasn't even sad. But then all of a sudden it all kind of just exploded out of me. I knew Via didn't want me to go to her stupid play. And I knew why.

Related Characters: August Pullman (speaker), Mom, Via Pullman

Related Symbols: “Our Town”

Page Number and Citation: 218

Explanation and Analysis:

After an emotional outburst at dinner, August reflects on what happened and why. Though his outburst was relatively immature, this ability to reflect in hindsight is distinctly adult. It shows that August has the capacity to think critically, both about his own thoughts, feelings, and emotions, as well as about the inner lives of others. This is evidenced when he insists he understands why Via doesn't want him to go to Our Town—he's able to put himself in her shoes and, in doing so, can better understand how she moves through the world. However, it's also worth noting that August's Dolorem et quae. Exercitationem non aut. Eveniet dolor non. Incidunt dolores sunt. Ad dolor at. Quia aperiam eligendi. Ut veniam voluptatem. Aperiam consequuntur mollitia. Provident expedita delectus. Occaecati ea suscipit. Optio ut iste. Voluptas aut occaecati. Accusantium recusandae voluptates. Explicabo minus tempore. Nostrum dolor asperiores. Ut aliquam officiis. Unde enim nesciunt. Commodi necessitatibus

So I went to my bed and put on my pajamas without anyone telling me to and put the night-light on and turned the light off and crawled into the little mountain of stuffed animals I had left on my bed earlier.

Related Characters: August Pullman (speaker), Daisy, Mom, Dad, Via Pullman

Page Number and Citation: 225

Explanation and Analysis:

On the night that August’s dog, Daisy, dies, August walks through the house, notices that all of his family members are absorbed in their own grief, and then decides to put himself to bed. This shows that even though August absolutely still has the potential to behave immaturely at times, he also has the capacity to notice others' feelings and emotions and do what he can to allow those people to deal with their own emotions, rather than have to care for his instead. This is a very mature way of handling others' grief. The novel also suggests through the Dolorem et quae. Exercitationem non aut. Eveniet dolor non. Incidunt dolores sunt. Ad dolor at. Quia aperiam eligendi. Ut veniam voluptatem. Aperiam consequuntur mollitia. Provident expedita delectus. Occaecati ea suscipit. Optio ut iste. Voluptas aut occaeca

"Daddy, can you please not call me Auggie Doggie anymore?" I whispered in Dad's ear.

Dad smiled and nodded and gave me a thumbs-up.

Related Characters: August Pullman (speaker), Dad

Related Symbols: “Our Town”

Page Number and Citation: 229

Explanation and Analysis:

Right before Our Town begins, August asks Dad to not call him Auggie Doggie, a childhood nickname that Dad uses. By asking Dad to not use a nickname that August characterizes as childish, August is essentially asking to be treated more like an adult and less like a child. This shows just how far he's come from the beginning of the novel, when he was well aware of acting in ways he deemed "babyish" and had no interest in growing up. In addition, Dad's agreement to follow August's lead shows just how much support August has from his parents. Though Dolorem et quae. Exercitationem non aut. Eveniet dolor non. Incidunt dolores sunt. Ad dolor at. Quia aperiam eligendi. Ut veniam voluptatem. Aperiam consequuntur mollitia. Provident expedita delectus. Occaecati ea suscipit. Optio ut iste. Voluptas aut occaecati. Accusantium recusandae voluptates. Explicabo minus tempore. Nostrum dolor asperiores. Ut aliquam officiis. Unde enim nesciunt. Commodi necessitatibus voluptas. Accusamus e

I knew right then and there that I was going to like the play. It wasn't like other school plays I've been to, like The Wizard of Oz or Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs. No, this was grown-up seeming, and I felt smart sitting there watching it.

Related Characters: August Pullman (speaker), Via Pullman

Related Symbols: “Our Town”

Page Number and Citation: 230

Explanation and Analysis:

As soon as Our Town starts, Via’s school play, August recognizes that it's very different in tenor from other theater productions he's seen in the past, and he characterizes it specifically as being more adult. It's important to note that while it's pretty normal for children to be able to identify things as being adult, this is a major turning point for August because he recognizes that he can fully engage with this grown-up play. Essentially, his ability to identify it as being adult and then enjoy it shows that he's coming of age and feels as though this is Dolorem et quae. Exercitationem non au

That's not exactly true: I do know what I'm really known for. But there's nothing I can do about that. A Star Wars duffel bag I could do something about.

Related Characters: August Pullman (speaker)

Page Number and Citation: 252

Explanation and Analysis:

Here, August explains that he recognizes that there are differences between someone's outward-facing identity that's changeable, and the parts of one's identity that one cannot change. For August, he understands that he's known first and foremost for his unusual face. This isn't something that he can change, so he must simply learn to live with it and navigate the world because of and in spite of how people treat him because of his face. On the other hand, August absolutely has the power to tell people the kind of person he is: kind, funny, and in this case, not as Dolorem et quae. Exercitationem non aut. Eveniet dolor non. Incidunt dolores sunt. Ad dolor at. Quia aperiam eligendi. Ut veniam voluptatem. Aperiam consequuntur mollitia. Provident expedita delectus. Occaecati ea suscipit. Optio ut iste. Voluptas aut occaecati. Accusantium recusandae voluptates. Explicabo minus tempore. Nostrum dolor asperiores. Ut aliquam officiis. Unde enim nesciunt

"Kinder than is necessary," he repeated. "What a marvelous line, isn't it? Kinder than is necessary. Because it's not enough to be kind. One should be kinder than needed. Why I love that line, that concept, is that it reminds me that we carry with us, as human beings, not just the capacity to be kind, but the very choice of kindness."

Related Characters: Mr. Tushman (speaker), August Pullman, Jack Will

Page Number and Citation: 300

Explanation and Analysis:

During his graduation ceremony address, Mr. Tushman cites a quote from J.M. Barrie about being “kinder than necessary,” insisting that it's an important quote because it recognizes that kindness is a choice. This starts to turn the novel's overwhelming assertion that some people are fundamentally kind on its head, as it says clearly that kindness is a choice—and in the same vein, people are capable of being both kind and mean. The important part is that it's a choice. By making this very clear, Mr. Tushman recognizes that it's not always easy to be kind. This points back to Jack’s Dolorem et quae. Exercitationem non aut. Eveniet dolor non. Incidunt dolores sunt. Ad dolor at. Quia aperiam eligendi. Ut veniam voluptatem. Aperiam consequuntur mollitia. Provident expedita delectus. Occaecati ea suscipit. Optio ut iste. Voluptas aut occaecati. Accusantium recusandae v

August Pullman Character Timeline in Wonder

The timeline below shows where the character August Pullman appears in Wonder. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

August explains that he's aware that he's not an ordinary kid. He does normal things like... (full context)

However, August says that he's used to the stares, as are Mom and Dad. His big sister,... (full context)

August explains that he'll be going to school to start fifth grade next week. He's terrified... (full context)

August tells the reader the story of his birth, prefacing it by saying that he and... (full context)

...farting. Mom's regular doctor wasn't on duty, so she was assigned a cranky doctor. When August was finally born, the nice nurse whisked him away before Mom could see him. Dad... (full context)

...nice. She stayed with Mom for hours and was there when the doctors explained that August was very sick. The farting nurse even told Mom that all of God's children will... (full context)

Early in the spring, August's family visits Christopher and his family. When August and Christopher come inside for snacks, August... (full context)

In the car on the way home, August and Via fall asleep. August wakes up after dark to hear Mom and Dad whispering... (full context)

Mom explains that she and Dad met the principal last year, and August is even more hurt that his parents have been talking about sending him to school... (full context)

Mom asks if August will at least meet Mr. Tushman, the principal, and August is aghast at Mr. Tushman's... (full context)

August explains that he wasn't nervous about meeting Mr. Tushman because he didn't know that he'd... (full context)

Mom and August follow Mr. Tushman through the school. August hides behind Mom and feels "babyish" doing so,... (full context)

Mr. Tushman leads Mom and August into his office. August looks at the interesting items on Mr. Tushman's desk and the... (full context)

August stops short when he hears kids' voices outside the office. He tells the reader that... (full context)

...Mr. Tushman shows two boys and a girl into his office. They don't look at August or Mom. Mr. Tushman introduces them as Jack Will, Julian, and Charlotte. Jack Will and... (full context)

Nobody speaks as Jack Will, Charlotte, and Julian lead August up to the third floor of the school. Julian shows him room 301, which is... (full context)

August is so nervous, he mostly stares at his shoes. He finally asks what homeroom is,... (full context)

Charlotte chatters about playing Oliver in the production of Oliver last year as she leads August, Jack, and Julian into the auditorium. As Charlotte talks, August notices Julian slyly staring at... (full context)

Charlotte insists that August was just homeschooled, and Julian doubts that someone who isn't a real teacher like August's... (full context)

As August passes Jack, Jack looks August right in the eye. August looks back at him and... (full context)

When August, Jack, Julian, and Charlotte get back to the office, Mrs. G asks if August liked... (full context)

After a half block, Mom asks how the tour of the school was. August refuses to talk until they get home. When they arrive, he races to his room... (full context)

When Mom says that Julian seemed especially nice, August corrects her and says that Julian was the least nice. He tells Mom how Julian... (full context)

On the first day of school, August is very nervous. Mom and Dad take pictures of him and Via, and they all... (full context)

August is very glad he took a tour of the school, as he's able to find... (full context)

...a seat with another boy. She tells him to take the empty seat next to August, which Henry does grudgingly. He puts his backpack up on the desk to shield his... (full context)

August tells the reader that the night before, he Googled what "like a lamb to the... (full context)

When the bell rings, August races to his English class and sits down in the back. He doesn't look up... (full context)

...for September: to "choose kind" when given the choice between being kind or right. As August writes the precept in his notebook, he realizes that he's going to like school. (full context)

Lunch is a struggle for August, though he thinks he should've known better since Via warned him. Some kids tell August... (full context)

August looks up when he hears a girl ask if she can sit across from him.... (full context)

August and Summer decide that their table is the "summer table," and they go through all... (full context)

August explains that after his jaw surgery, when his jaw was wired shut, Mom started asking... (full context)

Mom tries to ask other questions about August's day, but August gives cursory answers. He chooses to not tell Mom about Julian's Darth... (full context)

August cuts off his Padawan braid that night. Dad is thrilled, but Via seems angry and... (full context)

Dad asks August if he's mad at Mom, and August insists that she's the most to blame for... (full context)

August struggles through most of September. He's never had to get up so early or do... (full context)

August spends most of his classes with Jack. He's not sure if the teachers put them... (full context)

Later, as they read in their textbooks, Jack asks August if he wants to beat up kids like that eighth grader. He suggests that August... (full context)

...Egyptian tombstone and asks the students to write about what they think the precept means. August writes that it means that people should be remembered by the things they do, as... (full context)

August's birthday is the tenth of October, and he asks Mom if he can have a... (full context)

The day after August's birthday party, Summer asks what he's going to be for Halloween. She explains that they... (full context)

At the end of the month, Mom allows August to not have his school photo taken. However, August isn't able to get out of... (full context)

Before long, August picks up on the fact that nobody wants to touch him. He explains that in... (full context)

August explains that Halloween is his favorite holiday. For one day, he gets to look like... (full context)

Last year, August was the Bleeding Scream. This year, he's going to be Boba Fett from Star Wars.... (full context)

...uncharacteristically not patient with her, so Mom and Dad finally decide that Dad will take August to school and Mom will drive Via. Dad gives August five minutes to put his... (full context)

August feels awesome walking down the hallway at school. Another kid dressed as the Bleeding Scream... (full context)

August decides to sit where he can hear them rather than at his regular desk. Julian... (full context)

August tells the reader some of the names that kids call him: rat boy, E.T., lizard... (full context)

Via tells the reader that August is the sun, while she, Mom, and Dad are just planets orbiting around him. Daisy... (full context)

Via doesn't remember life before August, but she's seen pictures of herself and her parents before he arrived. She can tell... (full context)

Via explains that she always knew August didn't look normal, but she never used to see him the way that others see... (full context)

...possibly the best time of Via's life, and returning home was hard. Via remembers seeing August running downstairs to meet her and seeing for just a second what other people see... (full context)

...together. Grans had told Via a secret: she loved Via more than anyone else, even August. She explained that August had enough angels looking out for him, but nobody was looking... (full context)

August's eyes are almost halfway down his cheeks and slant at an extreme angle. They bulge... (full context)

Eventually, August will need hearing aids, which he hates the idea of. Via wonders if August knows... (full context)

...because she could be Olivia Pullman there, not Via. In elementary school, everyone knew about August because he came to all the school functions with Mom and Dad. In middle school,... (full context)

In high school, it seems as though only Miranda and Ella know about August, and they don't talk about it with other people. They've all been friends since first... (full context)

Via explains that Miranda was always the sweetest to August. She bought him his space helmet, and they'd sing "Space Oddity" by David Bowie together.... (full context)

...She gives Mom a little bit of information about her day and then asks about August's, which leads to a strange and dramatic fight when Mom acts as though she doesn't... (full context)

Via storms to August's room, moves Daisy over, and tries to ask him about school while he plays video... (full context)

That night, August cuts off his Padawan braid. It makes Via surprisingly angry. She remembers how proud August... (full context)

Once, Via woke up in the middle of the night and saw Mom standing outside August's room, listening to him sleep. Via thought she looked like a ghost or an angel.... (full context)

...something going on with Miranda, and Via explains that Miranda is acting like a jerk. August pipes up that Miranda isn't a jerk, but Mom quickly tries to defuse the brewing... (full context)

...moved to North River Heights in upper Manhattan when Via was a year old. Until August was born, nobody knew that they were carriers for his genetic mutation. Though sometimes his... (full context)

...gene on to them, but only a one in four chance that they'll look like August. August is guaranteed to pass the gene onto his children, but if he marries someone... (full context)

...him. When Via runs into Miranda and Ella, they say hi, and Miranda asks after August, but Via never tells August hi for Miranda. (full context)

...sad time of year for Via and Mom. Mom copes by going all out on August's Halloween costume. This year, she spends all her time on the Boba Fett costume. Via... (full context)

...Dad is in a bad mood and ends up making Via cry, so he takes August to school, and Via and Mom stay home. Via thinks that Mom must miss Grans... (full context)

August insists he's not well enough to go trick-or-treating, which Via finds shocking and sad. She... (full context)

Via asks if there's something more going on, and August, close to tears, finally tells Via what he overheard Jack saying. Via soothingly says that... (full context)

Via feels bad for Mom the next day, as Mom has no idea that August's stomach is perfectly fine. By Sunday evening, August still doesn't want to go back to... (full context)

Via tells August that it's actually great that the kids don't know that August heard them saying mean... (full context)

Angry, Via threatens to tell Mom and Dad about Jack if August stops going to school, saying that if Mr. Tushman finds out, he'll make Jack apologize... (full context)

...asked her why she hangs out with "the freak" so much. She tells them that August is nice, and deflects when people call her a saint or suggest that Mr. Tushman... (full context)

Summer admits that August's face does take some time to get used to. However, she doesn't feel bad for... (full context)

While playing foursquare one day, Summer learns about the Plague. Supposedly, anyone who touches August has thirty seconds to wash their hands before they catch the Plague. Nobody has touched... (full context)

...Summer has no idea what she's talking about until she realizes Savanna is referring to August. Savanna leads her to the basement, where Summer learns that Ximena is dating Miles, and... (full context)

...Halloween candy, and also mentions that she has a crush on someone other than Julian. August is absent, but finally returns to school on Monday. Summer can tell that something is... (full context)

Finally, August looks Summer in the eye and tells her that she doesn't have to be friends... (full context)

Summer warns her mom about August's face, but Summer's mom still looks surprised when August walks through the front door. August... (full context)

August thinks for a moment and confirms that a person would be born as an entirely... (full context)

For the next month, August and Summer hang out often after school. On the day of the Egyptian Museum exhibit,... (full context)

Jack begins his narration in August, when his mom gets a call from Mr. Tushman. Mr. Tushman asks Jack's mom if... (full context)

Jack explains that he saw August for the first time when he was six. He was with his babysitter, Veronica, and... (full context)

...phony and Charlotte is a goody two shoes. Jack tries to tell his mom what August looks like just as Jamie walks into the kitchen. Jamie immediately joins in and says... (full context)

Jack says that you do eventually get used to August's face, and that August is very funny and nice. He's also smart and lets Jack... (full context)

...no idea what Summer's "Bleeding Scream" comment means. He explains that one day, he and August were friends and the next, August wouldn't talk to him. Jack doesn't believe he did... (full context)

...which means that Beecher Prep is closed for an extra day. Jack is bummed that August is ignoring him, so he's thrilled to have an extra day off. Jack's dad also... (full context)

...about the assignment and thinks that the bravest thing he did was become friends with August, but he doesn't write about that because he's afraid Mr. Browne will make them read... (full context)

...a great student. School isn't his favorite, and he especially hates science. When Jack and August were friends, Jack was doing okay because August let Jack copy his notes. Now, Jack... (full context)

...out for the rest of science class and barely hears his teacher pair him with August for the science fair project. When Jack finally comes back to earth after the bell... (full context)

When Jack's mom and Jack get home, they find holiday cards from Julian's family and August's family in their mail. Jack thinks that August's card, which has a picture of Daisy... (full context)

...the pressure of being forced to be friends with "the new child with special needs" (August). She explains that she told Julian he didn't have to be friends with August and... (full context)

...she also explains that Jack didn't feel it was a burden to be friends with August. She says that Jack genuinely enjoys August's company. (full context)

Jack sends August a friend request on Facebook and also sends him an email apologizing for what he... (full context)

...swears Jack to secrecy and explains that at Julian's holiday party, everyone but Jack and August were there. Julian told everyone that Jack has emotional problems, that Jack's parents begged the... (full context)

...cutting him off and making him feel lonely. He thinks that it'll make Jack drop August if all the boys refuse to talk to Jack. She explains that the girls except... (full context)

...original table, but Jack gets up and accepts Summer's invitation to sit with her and August. (full context)

Jack admits that he's a hypocrite and didn't sit with August on the first day of school because he just wanted to be normal for a... (full context)

...acting like he has the Plague. When Jack looks ashamed for bringing up the Plague, August says he already knew about it but didn't know what kids were calling it. (full context)

Summer declares that they're too young to be dating anyway. August agrees but jokes that it's a shame with all the "babes" throwing themselves at him.... (full context)

In the middle of January, August insists that he and Jack need to work on their science fair project. They go... (full context)

Via knocks on August's door and lets herself in. She's clearly not expecting to see Jack and when August... (full context)

...He wears round glasses, carries a long case with a sharp end, and seems nervous. August mischievously asks if Justin is Via's boyfriend, and Jack asks if there's a gun in... (full context)

When Justin meets August for the first time, he's surprised. He thinks that he shouldn't be, given how much... (full context)

After Justin and Via get to Via's room, she asks what he thought of August. He assures Via that he's not shocked, and Via explains that when she was a... (full context)

...Via's parents put Justin at ease immediately. He notices that their waiter is shocked by August, but he pretends not to notice. Justin knows that Via noticed. When Via's parents ask... (full context)

As Justin and Via are kissing goodbye, Mom, August, and Jack come down the stairs. Mom pretends not to notice, but August and Jack... (full context)

...few minutes, Justin realizes that the war is going on because Jack is friends with August. Justin tells Jack that middle school is awful, but it gets better. He waves Jack... (full context)

...while Justin and Miranda wait backstage, she asks him about Via and if he's met August. Justin is surprised that Miranda knows about August, but pretends he already knew when she... (full context)

...she hasn't told her parents about Our Town. She'd rather they don't come so that August doesn't come. Via says she's an awful person, but she loves being at a school... (full context)

...swirl through his head, as well as Miranda's assertion that the universe wasn't kind to August. Justin thinks that August didn't do anything to deserve his rare combination of syndromes. As... (full context)

August and Jack's potato lamp receives an A and is a hit at the science fair.... (full context)

February is the worst month for "the war." Julian leaves notes in August's locker that call him a freak and an orc, but August refuses to report the... (full context)

...March, everyone stops playing the Plague and lots of people will even accept pencils from August. One day, August sees Maya writing a note on Uglydoll stationery and he jokes that... (full context)

August has known since he was little that he'd need hearing aids someday, but he desperately... (full context)

August can barely describe how he hears when the audiologist turns on his hearing aids. He... (full context)

...again, so Mom makes her an appointment to see the vet the next day. Mom, August, and Via sit down for dinner, and August asks if they're going to see Justin... (full context)

Mom makes an excuse that their argument has nothing to do with August and is shocked when August accuses her of lying. Suddenly angry, August jumps up and... (full context)

Via tells August to come quick and yells that it's not about him when he refuses to apologize.... (full context)

Justin arrives a half hour later. He sits with August and Via in the living room quietly and they all look at Daisy's toys, which... (full context)

Two hours later, Mom and Dad come home without Daisy. August knows that Daisy is gone. They all sit in the living room, and Dad explains... (full context)

Very early in the morning, August wakes up and crawls into bed next to Mom. He asks about her hand and... (full context)

A few days later, Via brings home three tickets to Our Town. On opening night, August is nervous at how big Via's school is. He wishes he could wear a baseball... (full context)

August tells the reader that the play was amazing, and the ending made everyone cry. Via... (full context)

Mr. Davenport comes over, and Via introduces him to Mom, Dad, and August. Justin pulls Mr. Davenport away before he can look too embarrassed at his reaction to... (full context)

...felt terrible—she knew that Via would be upset, but she also felt somewhat entitled since August feels like her little brother. (full context)

...safer with them than she did with her own parents. Miranda says she also loved August and once called the Pullmans just to say hi to him. He told her all... (full context)

...and loves her part. However, when Miranda peeks at the audience from backstage and sees August, Mom, and Dad, she suddenly mumbles to Mr. Davenport that she feels sick and can't... (full context)

...out for their curtain calls, but she feels better when she sees Mom, Dad, and August backstage. She notices August looking lost, rushes up behind him, and greets him. (full context)

Miranda can't believe how big August is now as they chat about the play. Mom finds them minutes later, greets Miranda,... (full context)

August explains that in the spring, the Beecher Prep fifth graders go away to a nature... (full context)

August asks Mom to buy him a new plain duffel bag to replace his Star Wars... (full context)

The day before the trip, Mom helps August pack. She folds all his clothes and puts them in the duffel bag and suggests... (full context)

Mom reminds August to wear sunscreen and bug spray and tells him not to get his hearing aids... (full context)

August wakes up very early the next day and is immediately wide awake. He rolls over... (full context)

Everyone on the bus is very excited. August is especially thrilled when he hears that Julian decided the trip was too dorky, so... (full context)

The second day is fantastic: August gets to ride horses, climb trees, and the class is scheduled to see an outdoor... (full context)

...announcements are finished, the voice says that the movie will be The Sound of Music. August is surprised when kids from other schools boo and throw things at the screen. (full context)

During the "boring part," Jack needs to go to the bathroom and takes August with him. They see a massive line for the bathrooms, so Jack decides to relieve... (full context)

August and Jack walk right into a group of strange kids. August realizes the group has... (full context)

Suddenly, August hears Amos, Miles, and Henry come up behind them and ask what's going on. Amos... (full context)

...like forever, a voice yells that they lost the bullies. Amos, Jack, Henry, Miles, and August find each other in the dark, and August realizes that Henry had been hanging onto... (full context)

Amos, Miles, and Henry congratulate August on his bravery. August starts to become aware that his elbow is hurt and bleeding,... (full context)

August, Jack, Amos, Miles, and Henry look for the hearing aids for ten minutes, but they... (full context)

August reads in his cabin until two in the morning. He explains that nobody noticed that... (full context)

...and Miles about the boys that tried to attack them, but when he spoke to August, August lied about not remembering Eddie's face. Lying in bed, August thinks that Eddie's face... (full context)

When the class gets back to Beecher Prep, August sees Mom waiting for him with the other parents. Mr. Tushman already told her about... (full context)

August's family decides to name the puppy Bear because Mom thinks he looks like a bear... (full context)

The next day at school, August notices that things are very different. The story of what happened at the camping trip... (full context)

On the day before the last day of school, Mr. Tushman calls August to his office. He found out the names of the seventh graders from the camping... (full context)

Mr. Tushman asks August to sit down and remarks that it's amazing that the school year is almost over.... (full context)

August notices that the pumpkin portrait that used to be behind Mr. Tushman's desk has since... (full context)

Dad drives August to the graduation ceremony at the auditorium. They arrive early, so they sit in the... (full context)

August is livid. Dad clumsily explains that he couldn't handle August covering his face anymore. He... (full context)

August and Dad see Jack approaching, so August starts to get out of the car. Dad... (full context)

At the auditorium, Mrs. G directs August and Jack to their staging area. Another teacher gets them in seats and soon, Summer... (full context)

An hour later, August and his classmates listen to Mr. Tushman's address. Mr. Tushman jokes about how long-winded he... (full context)

August zones out for most of the speeches but perks up when a teacher calls Honor... (full context)

August can barely understand what's happening. His classmates push him up and towards Mr. Tushman, high... (full context)

Beecher Prep holds a reception after the ceremony. August allows his parents and other relatives to hug him. They start taking pictures, and Dad... (full context)

Everyone walks to August's house for cake after the reception. August hears the Star Wars hero music in his... (full context)

...talks about not hurting people's feelings, and Julian's says that it's good to start over. August's precept is his newfound belief that everyone should get a standing ovation once in their... (full context)

Mom and August walk home in near silence. When they get home, Mom wraps her arms around August,... (full context)

August asks for chocolate milk and while Mom whisks chocolate powder into milk, he tells her... (full context)

August is satisfied with this and decides to go take a nap. Mom thanks him for... (full context)

August Pullman Character Analysis

August Pullman Quotes in Wonder

August: Jack Will, Julian, and Charlotte Quotes

August: Locks Quotes

August: Lamb to the Slaughter Quotes

August: Wake Me Up When September Ends Quotes

August: Costumes Quotes

Via: A Tour of the Galaxy Quotes

Via: Seeing August Quotes

Via: An Apparition at the Door Quotes

Via: Time to Think Quotes

Summer: The Plague Quotes

Jack: Carvel Quotes

Jack: Ex-Friends Quotes

Jack: The War Quotes

Justin: Olivia's Brother Quotes

Justin: Bird Quotes

August: My Cave Quotes

August: Daisy's Toys Quotes

August: Understudy Quotes

August: Known For Quotes

August: A Simple Thing Quotes

August Pullman Character Timeline in Wonder