A Wrinkle in Time (2018) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

A Tesseract is a form of space travel that allows instantaneous movement between dimensions and across vast distances. Meg's father, Alex, had been researching this concept before his disappearance. The three Mrs. use the Tesseract to transport Meg, Charles Wallace, and Calvin through different planets, including to Uriel and eventually to Camazotz where Alex is being held.

Foreshadowing: Mrs. Whatsit first mentions the Tesseract when she visits the Murry home, hinting at Alex's research.

• tesseract
• space travel
• alex murry
• science

The IT is the main antagonist - a shadowy force representing the darker aspects of humanity such as greed, anger, pride, and low self-esteem. It has captured Meg's father and seeks to spread its malevolent influence across the universe. The IT works through manipulation and preys on people's insecurities.

Foreshadowing: Mrs. Which first introduces The IT while on Uriel, warning that it has already captured Alex.

• the it
• antagonist
• shadow
• camazotz
• evil

Charles Wallace was especially vulnerable because of his youth and his deep desire to help find his father. Red used the familiar comfort of multiplication tables - something Charles Wallace excelled at - to hypnotize him. This allowed The IT to take control of Charles Wallace's mind and use him against his family.

Foreshadowing: The Happy Medium hints at the dangers awaiting them on Camazotz before they arrive.

• charles wallace
• red
• hypnosis
• multiplication tables
• camazotz

Meg defeats The IT by realizing that love is its weakness. The IT thrives on deception and hatred, so Meg overcomes it by channeling her unconditional love for Charles Wallace. This pure love breaks the trance on her brother and shatters The IT's dominion over Camazotz, destroying the dark entity.

Foreshadowing: Mrs. Which explains that The IT represents humanity's darker flaws, suggesting love would be its opposite.

• meg
• love
• defeat
• it
• charles wallace
• liberation

The three Mrs. had to leave because their presence on Camazotz was limited - the planet was too malevolent and saturated with The IT's power for them to remain. However, before departing, they gave Meg three gifts: Mrs. Who's glasses to see truth, knowledge of her own weaknesses, and the reminder to stay united.

Foreshadowing: The Mrs. warn about Camazotz's darkness before the children arrive.

• mrs whatsit
• mrs who
• mrs which
• gifts
• camazotz
• departure

Before departing on Camazotz, the three Mrs. gave Meg three gifts: Mrs. Who's glasses that allow her to see through deception and find hidden truths, awareness of her own imperfections including her anger and self-doubt, and the instruction for the three of them to stay united together.

Foreshadowing: This preparation hints at the ultimate test Meg will face with The IT.

• gifts
• mrs who glasses
• unity
• meg weaknesses

After Charles Wallace is hypnotized and Alex activates a Tesseract for escape, Meg and Calvin become trapped in a desolate room. Using Mrs. Who's glasses, Meg discovers a hidden staircase leading to the chamber where her father is imprisoned, allowing her to rescue him.

Foreshadowing: Mrs. Who's glasses were specifically given to help Meg see truth hidden from others.

• alex murry
• rescue
• hidden room
• stairs
• glasses

When Alex activates the Tesseract for escape, Meg refuses to leave because The IT has taken control of her brother. Her fierce love for Charles Wallace and determination not to abandon him drives her to stay and confront The IT, ultimately leading to her victory through love.

Foreshadowing: This moment demonstrates Meg's core character trait - her deep familial love.

• meg
• charles wallace
• love
• rescue
• abandonment

After Meg defeats The IT by using love to break its hold on Charles Wallace, The IT's dominion over Camazotz is shattered. The planet appears to be freed from the dark entity's influence, and the Murry family is able to escape together back to Earth.

Foreshadowing: The IT's defeat was foreshadowed by the Mrs. explaining that it represents humanity's negative qualities, which love can overcome.

• camazotz
• freedom
• victory
• planet
• liberation

Calvin decides to join the journey after learning about Meg's missing father and the existence of the Tesseract. Though initially a popular student with hidden insecurities, he forms a genuine connection with Meg and chooses to help them rescue her father, becoming a crucial part of the team.

Foreshadowing: Meg notices during the journey that Calvin, despite being popular, also has deep insecurities.

• calvin okeefe
• journey
• companion
• help