Wonder (2017) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

Wonder takes place primarily in Brooklyn, New York City. The story centers around Beecher Prep, a middle school in this borough where Auggie Pullman attends fifth grade for the first time. Brooklyn serves as a vibrant, diverse urban backdrop that reflects the film's themes of acceptance and community.

• brooklyn
• beecher prep
• setting
• location
• new york

Wonder is set in contemporary times, reflecting the modern-day challenges that children face in schools today. The story follows a typical school year timeline, allowing the film's themes of bullying, friendship, and acceptance to feel relevant and relatable to current audiences.

• contemporary
• time period
• modern
• school year

The central message of Wonder is that kindness and acceptance can transform communities. The film demonstrates how choosing to be kind to those who are different not only helps them but also enriches the lives of everyone around them. It emphasizes that ordinary people have the power to create extraordinary change through compassion.

• message
• kindness
• acceptance
• theme
• main message

Wonder places empathy at its core, showing that understanding and caring for others regardless of their appearance is essential. The film illustrates how empathy acts as a powerful tool against bullying, fostering meaningful connections between characters and helping the community grow more compassionate.

• empathy
• theme
• kindness
• understanding
• compassion

Courage in Wonder is portrayed as vulnerability and the willingness to face adversity while embracing one's uniqueness. Auggie demonstrates that true bravery involves showing up despite fear and standing up against injustice, inspiring others to do the same.

• courage
• bravery
• theme
• overcoming adversity

Friendship is a crucial element in Wonder, serving as a transformative force in Auggie's life. The film shows how genuine friendships develop through honesty, stand-ups against bullying, and sincere apologies, highlighting how relationships can help people overcome life's greatest challenges.

• friendship
• theme
• relationships
• peers
• support

Auggie Pullman is the protagonist of Wonder, a 10-year-old boy who has undergone numerous surgeries due to a facial deformity. He is bright, resilient, and brave, attending mainstream school for the first time. His journey promotes themes of kindness, self-acceptance, and the power of choosing kindness over cruelty.

• auggie pullman
• protagonist
• main character
• facial difference

Jack Will is one of Auggie's classmates at Beecher Prep who initially makes mistakes but undergoes significant character growth. He transforms from being a source of hurt into a strong ally, exemplifying the importance of standing up against bullying and the power of sincere apologies and friendship.

• jack will
• classmate
• friend
• character

Julian represents the main antagonist in Auggie's school life, bullying him because of his appearance. His character serves as a representation of how bullying manifests in schools and demonstrates the consequences of cruelty, while also showing that people can evolve in their perceptions of others.

• julian
• antagonist
• bully
• character

Via Pullman is Auggie's older sister, navigating her own challenges while consistently supporting her brother. Her character highlights the familial dynamics in the Pullman family and explores the journey of finding one's identity when constantly defined by a sibling's circumstances.

• via pullman
• sister
• family
• character

Isabel Pullman is Auggie's mother, portrayed as a supportive and loving figure who encourages him throughout his challenges. Her nurturing nature and dedication to Auggie's well-being underscore the theme of familial love and the role parents play in empowering children to find their strengths.

• isabel pullman
• mother
• parent
• family

Mr. Browne is a teacher at Beecher Prep who plays a pivotal role in inspiring kindness and compassion among his students. Through his wise guidance and monthly precepts about character, he sets the tone for the film's moral lessons and significantly influences Auggie's journey toward acceptance.

• mr browne
• teacher
• mentor
• beecher prep