The Giver Important Characters

Jonas - the protagonist, who begins at age eleven then learns at his ceremony of twelve that he will be the new Receiver of Memory. He lives with his parents and sister Lily but through their lessons together, becomes close to the Giver, who helps him escape.

Jonas's mother - works at the Department of Justice and parents Jonas and Lily

Jonas's father - a Nurturer who "releases" infants who aren't thriving, which means that he gives them a lethal injection. He brings home Gabriel for extra assistance as Gabe has trouble sleeping through the night.

Lily - Jonas's eight-year-old sister who loves to talk and enjoys babies

Gabriel (Gabe) - an infant) who does not sleep through the night , so Jonas's father brings him home for extra attention. Jonas brings him when he leaves town and transfers memories to him to help him survive the journey.

The Giver - the previous Receiver of Memory who trains Jonas. He had a wife and daughter Rosemary who killed herself when he tried to train her to become the next Receiver of Memory. He helps Jonas plan his escape.

Asher - Jonas's fun-loving best friend assigned to be Assistant Director of Recreation.

Fiona - friend of Jonas with bright red hair who causes him to have feelings for her. She is assigned to work at the House of the Old.

Rosemary - the Giver's daughter whom they selected ten years earlier to become the new Receiver of Memory. She trained with The Giver but couldn't handle the pain and released herself from the community.