How would you describe Jonas in the book/movie The Giver?

Jonas's character does not change substantially from the book to the film, so the description of him in both remains the same. 

We know that the Elders in his community see him as intelligent, courageous, and as having integrity. They also feel strongly that he has "the ability to acquire wisdom" (Ch.8). All of these traits are why he is chosen as the new Receiver of Memory.

Based on his actions in the book, we can also describe Jonas in the following ways (with a few examples of each):

• compassionate (his interactions with several characters, including the Giver and Gabe)


• empathetic (his interactions with several, including Larissa in Ch. 4)


• a critical thinker (his questioning of the community)


• unique (being chosen as the Receiver of Memory)


• loving (especially in his interactions with Gabe)


• sensitive (his ability to feel the memories so deeply)


• risk-taking (he leaves the community)


• self-sacrificing (he risks everything to save Gabe from release)


• self-aware (he knows his own weaknesses and tries to avoid them)


• reflective (he constantly evaluates his own behavior and thoughts)


• contemplative (an extension of his reflections)


• gifted (he can see beyond)