Tris: Not Dauntless, Diver

“Not dauntless, not abnegation, not factionless, Divergent.” Tris has taken an aptitude test to determine her faction, her results were inconclusive, which means that Tris is one of the few people who are considered “Divergent”. Tris chooses Dauntless as her faction, despite being born and raised in Abnegation. Tris quickly realizes how difficult Dauntless is, and she must fight and work hard to prove to herself and others what she can do. These events all show how the author uses theme, characterization, and plot to help make the book, Divergent, more interesting. Tris is not just brave, or just selfless, or smart, she is all three. The theme of the book, Divergent, is that nobody has just one quality that makes them who they are. Tris believes …show more content…
Tris’ character has changed a lot, Tris has gone from small and weak, to powerful and brave throughout the entire book. She has changed a lot mentally, “ Somewhere inside me is a girl who tries to understand what people are going through…….. But if I saw her, I wouldn’t recognize her.” (pg 300). This demonstrates how Tris has changed, so far. Only 2 weeks in dauntless has changed her so much that at this point, she can barely recognize herself. Another example of her change would be, “ They think that because I’m small, or a girl, or a stiff, I can’t possibly be cruel. But they’re wrong.” (pg. 463). Tris’ thought process has changed too. Tris finally realizes what she is capable of and now, the selfless girl she used to be, is almost gone. In some ways, Tris has changed a lot, for example, her ability to fight has improved and she has become stronger. But in some ways, she has not changed at all, the selfless girl she used to be is still a part of how she is now. This is how Roth used characterization to help the …show more content…
The plot helps Tris by changing her and helping her realize where she really belongs and her true identity. Tris begins as a small, weak and confused girl, but then changes completely, “It will require a great act of selflessness to choose Abnegation, and a great act of courage to choose Dauntless.” (pg. 37). Throughout the entire story, Tris is always wondering if she made the right choice, or if this is where she truly belongs. She feels as if she does not fit anywhere, and fitting in is a big struggle, considering that she is divergent. Although there may be times where she feels as if the made the wrong choice, there will be times when Tris feels like she made the right choice, “Sixth, I can’t be sixth. Beating Molly must’ve improved my rank more than I thought it would.” (pg 198). Tris goes back and forth between whether she belongs or not, just as Tris feels scared or alone, there will always be something that lifts her spirits and makes her happy. She realizes that her hard is finally paying off, that maybe, she belongs here. This is how the plot played an important role in creating the story. It helps her realize where she