Characterization
Who is the teacher that starts The Wave experiment?
Who is Mr. Ben Ross?
What prompts Mr. Ross to start The Wave?
Students' inability to understand how Germans followed Hitler.
Define “conformity.
Behavior in line with socially accepted standards.
Why did Todd Strasser write The Wave?
To show how easily people can fall into authoritarian behavior
What is the main conflict in The Wave?
Individual freedom vs. group control.
What motivates Laurie Saunders to question The Wave?
What is her concern about its effects on individuality and freedom?
What is the first rule of The Wave?
Strength through discipline
What is “fascism”?
A political system with strong centralized control and suppression of opposition.
What real-life event inspired the novel?
The “Third Wave” experiment in a California high school in the 1960s
Identify the climax of the story.
When Mr. Ross reveals “The Leader” is Hitler.
Which character represents blind loyalty to The Wave?
Who is Robert Billings?
What happens at the school newspaper that shows tension about The Wave?
Laurie publishes a critical article.
What is “groupthink”?
When a group prioritizes harmony over critical thinking
What lesson does the author want students to learn?
To think independently and resist blind obedience.
Name one theme of the novel.
The importance of critical thinking and individuality.
How does David's character change throughout the novel?
He goes from supporter to critic after seeing its dangers.
When does David finally confront the truth about The Wave?
After he pushes Laurie and realizes the violence it causes.
How does peer pressure influence students in the novel?
It pushes them to join The Wave despite personal doubts.
How does Strasser use Mr. Ross’s experiment to explore power dynamics?
By showing how authority can manipulate a group
What is the tone of the novel?
Cautionary and tense.
Why is Laurie an important protagonist in the story?
She represents independent thinking and moral courage. Leader of the free press.
How does The Wave end?
Mr. Ross reveals the dangers by showing the students they’ve been following an imaginary leader.
Define “dictator” and give an example from the book.
ruler with total power—Mr. Ross becomes a symbolic dictator during the experiment.
What is the novel warning against?
The dangers of unchallenged conformity and totalitarian thinking
Describe the mood during The Wave rallies.
Intense, pressuring, and uneasy.