Keyword Guide · character-analysis
High school and college lit students often struggle to connect A Wrinkle in Time’s characters to its core themes. This guide breaks down each core character’s purpose and provides actionable study tools. Use it to prep for discussions, quiz reviews, or essay drafts.
A Wrinkle in Time’s core characters—Meg Murry, Charles Wallace Murry, Calvin O’Keefe, Mrs. Who, Mrs. Whatsit, Mrs. Which, and IT—each embody a specific thematic value that drives the story’s exploration of good and. evil, individuality, and love. Each character’s choices directly advance the plot’s conflict against conformity and darkness. Jot down one trait per character that links to a core theme before your next study session.
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A Wrinkle in Time’s characters are written to represent opposing forces and key moral values. Protagonists like Meg and Calvin highlight the power of vulnerability and teamwork, while antagonists like IT symbolize the danger of collective uniformity. Supporting characters like the Mrs. Ws act as guides that bridge the gap between the ordinary and the supernatural.
Next step: Create a two-column chart listing each core character and their corresponding thematic role for quick review.
Action: Review character trait lists and thematic links from the 20-minute plan
Output: A 1-page cheat sheet of character-core theme pairs
Action: Map each character’s key decisions to story turning points
Output: A timeline linking character choices to major plot shifts
Action: Compare two opposing characters (e.g., Meg and. IT) and note 3 key foil traits
Output: A bullet-point list of foil relationships and their thematic purpose
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Action: Create a character-theme pairing chart
Output: A visual reference that links each core character to their corresponding thematic value
Action: Map each character’s key actions to plot turning points
Output: A timeline showing how character choices drive the story’s conflict and resolution
Action: Draft a foil analysis of two opposing characters
Output: A 3-sentence paragraph explaining how their contrasting traits highlight core themes
Teacher looks for: Accurate naming of all core characters and clear understanding of their narrative functions (protagonist, antagonist, guide, etc.)
How to meet it: Create a flashcard set for each core character and quiz yourself until you can recite their basic role from memory
Teacher looks for: Ability to connect character traits and actions to the story’s central themes (good and. evil, individuality and. conformity)
How to meet it: Write one sentence per character that links a specific action to a core theme, then practice explaining these links out loud
Teacher looks for: Clear understanding of how key characters change or grow throughout the story
How to meet it: Create a 3-point timeline for Meg’s arc (start, middle turning point, end) and note the trait she gains or changes at each stage
Meg is the story’s protagonist, a young girl who struggles with self-doubt and anger. Her arc centers on learning to embrace her imperfections as sources of strength. Use this breakdown to draft a body paragraph for an essay about self-acceptance. Write one specific example of Meg using a flaw to achieve a goal before your next class.
Charles Wallace is Meg’s younger brother, a gifted child with extraordinary empathy. His connection to the story’s antagonist drives the climax and highlights the danger of overconfidence. This character is often misinterpreted as only a genius, so focus on his vulnerability in discussions. List two moments where Charles Wallace’s empathy guides his actions for your next study session.
Calvin is a popular athlete who feels like an outsider in his own family. His friendship with the Murrys helps him embrace his own individuality. His role shows that even people who seem to fit in can struggle with belonging. Add one of Calvin’s key actions to your character-theme chart before your next quiz.
Mrs. Who, Mrs. Whatsit, and Mrs. Which are supernatural beings who guide the children on their journey. Each uses a unique method to teach lessons about courage and self-trust. They are not just plot devices—they represent different forms of wisdom. Create a 1-word label for each Mrs. W that captures their guidance style for your notes.
IT is the story’s main antagonist, a disembodied force that controls a planet through uniformity and fear. It represents the dehumanizing effects of a society that values sameness over individuality. Do not frame IT as a typical monster in essays—focus on its symbolic role. Write one sentence explaining IT’s thematic purpose before your next essay draft.
The story uses foil relationships (characters with contrasting traits) to emphasize key themes. For example, Meg’s self-doubt contrasts with Charles Wallace’s overconfidence, and IT’s uniformity contrasts with the children’s individuality. These relationships make the story’s messages more concrete. Identify one new foil relationship and add it to your exam checklist.
Meg Murry is the most central character, as her arc drives the story’s core message about self-acceptance. However, every core character plays a critical role in advancing the plot and themes, so focus on linking each to their specific purpose rather than ranking them.
The Mrs. Ws represent different forms of wisdom and guidance. They use unconventional methods to teach the children that courage and self-trust are more powerful than conformity. Create a chart of their individual styles to clarify their roles.
Charles Wallace starts as a confident, empathetic child who trusts his own judgment. His encounter with the story’s antagonist tests this confidence, and he must rely on Meg to help him rediscover his individuality. List two key moments that mark this shift for your next discussion.
IT is a symbolic antagonist that represents the danger of a society that prioritizes uniformity over individuality. It uses fear and control to eliminate free will, creating a dehumanized world. Link IT’s actions to real-world examples of conformity for a stronger essay analysis.
Editorial note: This page is independently written for educational support. Verify specifics with assigned class materials and the original text.
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