Among the Hidden Characters

The protagonist of the novel, Luke is a 12-year-old shadow child, or illegal third child. For his safety, it’s essential that Luke hide from anyone outside his immediate family. But since Dad is a… read analysis of Luke Garner

Jen is Luke’s neighbor and a fellow shadow child. Though she has to live in hiding for her safety, like Luke, her life differs greatly from his because her family are wealthy Barons… read analysis of Jen Talbot/The Girl

Luke, Matthew, and Mark’s mother and Dad’s wife is a homemaker on the farm at the beginning of the novel. She’s kind and compassionate, and she fiercely loves her children, especially… read analysis of Mother

Matthew, Mark, and Luke’s dad and Mother’s husband is a rural farmer. Dad is often stressed, a little bit angry, and short with his family members. This is mostly because life… read analysis of Dad

Jen’s mom never appears in the novel, but Jen speaks about her often. Jen is constantly exasperated by her mom, because her mom’s greatest love is shopping—she even got Jen a forged shopping pass… read analysis of Jen’s Mom

Mark is Luke’s older brother; he’s 14, a few years younger than Matthew. Though Mark insists he’d never betray Luke, he’s also antagonistic to his brother, frightening Luke by yelling “Population Police… read analysis of Mark Garner

Luke and Mark’s oldest brother is about 16 years old. He dreams of being a hog farmer one day, so he’s distraught when the Government commands Dad to sell the family’s pigs and to… read analysis of Matthew Garner

Jen’s dad tells Luke about General Sherwood, who took control of the country and promised law, order, and food for everyone at the height of the famines and riots. Technically, he was able to deliver… read analysis of General Sherwood

Carlos is one of Jen’s friends in the secret chat room for shadow children. He lives somewhere warm, as he complains about having to suffer in 105°F heat when Luke first meets Jen… read analysis of Carlos