The Giver Summary: Plot, Characters and Ending
The Giver follows Jonas, a twelve-year-old in a seemingly perfect community without pain, color or choice. Chosen as the next Receiver of Memory, he begins to learn from an old man, the Giver, everything the community has given up, and discovers a terrible truth that forces him to flee.
It is the first book of Lois Lowry's Giver Quartet.
| Character | Who they are |
|---|---|
| Jonas | Boy chosen as the Receiver of Memory |
| The Giver | Old man who holds the community's memories |
| Gabriel | Baby Jonas's family cares for |
| Father | Jonas's father, a nurturer of newborns |
| Asher and Fiona | Jonas's friends |
| Rosemary | Former trainee Receiver |
What is Jonas's community like?
Everyone in the community follows precise rules. Families are assigned, babies are born to birthmothers and given out, people take pills to suppress strong feelings, and the weather is controlled. Those who break the rules too often, as well as the elderly and some babies, are released to Elsewhere.
↑ Back to the topWhat job is Jonas given?
At the Ceremony of Twelve, each child receives a lifelong job. Jonas is skipped, then announced as the new Receiver of Memory, the highest honor. He alone may lie and ask anyone any question.
↑ Back to the topWhat does the Giver teach him?
The Giver transfers memories through touch: snow, a sled ride, sunshine, then sunburn, hunger and war. Jonas starts to see color, first in an apple and Fiona's hair. He learns about families who love one another and grieves that no one around him can truly feel. The Giver tells him of Rosemary, the last trainee, who could not bear the painful memories and asked to be released.
↑ Back to the topWhat is release?
Jonas's father, a nurturer, brings home Gabriel, a baby who is not developing as expected. The Giver shows Jonas a recording of his father releasing a newborn twin. It is an injection that ends the baby's life, followed by his father's cheerful wave. Jonas is devastated. He and the Giver plan for Jonas to leave, so that his memories will return to the people and force them to feel.
↑ Back to the topHow does The Giver end?
When Jonas learns Gabriel will be released the next morning, he leaves early, taking the baby on his bicycle. Hunted by search planes, he gives Gabriel memories of warmth to keep them alive, crossing a landscape of rain, snow and hunger. At the top of a snowy hill he finds a sled. They ride down toward a house with colored lights and hear music, perhaps from a family celebrating. The ending leaves open whether they find a new home or whether it is a final dream.
↑ Back to the topMore about The Giver
This summary reveals the whole plot, including the ending.