The conversation helps the reader better visualize August’s character by showing that he has hidden strength, as he corrects Julian’s speech. This small act of standing up for what he believes is right demonstrates that August has a sense of confidence and determination, even in a social situation that feels tense. It contrasts with his otherwise quiet demeanor and suggests that he is willing to speak up when he feels it’s necessary, indicating a complexity to his character that goes beyond fearfulness or a need for support from others.
Read the excerpt from Wonder by R. J. Palacio.
I nodded as Julian and Charlotte caught up to us. We were all quiet for a second, all of us just kind of nodding, looking at the floor. Then I looked up at Julian.
"The word's 'supposedly,' by the way," I said.
"What are you talking about?"
"You said 'supposably' before," I said.
"I did not!"
"Yeah you did," Charlotte nodded. "You said the science elective is supposably really hard. I heard you."
"I absolutely did not," he insisted.
"Whatever," said Jack. "Let’s just go."
How does this conversation help the reader better visualize August’s character?
Readers learn that August likes to start fights, because Julian gets angry.
Readers learn that August is fearful of others, because he looks down at the floor and is quiet.
Readers learn that August needs people to stick up for him, because Charlotte speaks up to Julian.
Readers learn that August has hidden strength, because he corrects Julian’s speech.
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