The Chosen/Characters

Daniel Saunders

A gifted adolescent and the son of Rebbe Saunders. He is trapped between being The Dutiful Son and following his family dynasty and between going after his own goal of becoming a Psychologist. In the end, he goes his own way.

• The Dutiful Son
• Reluctant Heir
• Teen Genius
• Training from Hell: He's been raised in silence, ostentatiously to teach him to look into his own heart instead of looking for other's opinions.
• The Woobie

Reuven Malther

The first person narrator and something of an Ishmael. When Danny Saunders hits him in the eye with a baseball, the two of them become unlikely best friends.

• A Friend in Need
• The Smart Guy: He's a math genius.
• Supporting Protagonist

Rebbe Saunders

The heir of a dynasty of Hassidic Rebbes. He is apparently cold towards his oldest son, Daniel, as he expects the boy to carry on the legacy and all the weight that entails.

• Jewish Father: Well yes, he is basically a male Jewish Mother.
• Rabbi Man
• Magnetic Hero
• Meddling Parent: Played with. He knows very well what is going on with Danny, but rather than confronting him hopes that his son will tell him of his own free will.
• The Patriarch
• Tough Love
• Well-Intentioned Extremist

David Malther

A Scholar and Zionist activist, his clash of opinions with the Rebbe threatens Danny and Reuven's friendship.

• Fired Teacher
• A Friend in Need: At the Library, he assists Danny's 'rebellion' against his father by helping him find good secular books.
• Gentleman and a Scholar
• Good Parents
• Open-Minded Parent
• Patriotic Fervor: For the Zionist cause.