This essay has been written for people who might want to learn about my slight interpretations of a characters’ development in Veronica Roth’s Divergent series. If you haven’t read/watched the trilogy but still want to read my essay (thank you) I would advice you to read my ‘Divergent review’ as there the plot is explained. I wouldn’t have been able to explain the plot without immensely pass the given word count. Also, you should be aware that the following essay may include information essential for the plot of the books.
Four is one of the most important characters in Veronica Roth’s Divergent trilogy. Throughout the series you learn about his character and it’s history, begin to understand his decisions and may be able to follow his way of thinking. You are also most likely to fall in love with Four’s and Tris’ relationship, which gives insights in Four’s insensitive, yet protective behaviour around people he loves.
Tobias Eaton, the guy with only four fears, grew up in Abnegation and was beaten up by his father Marcus Eaton on a daily basis, which made him divert to Dauntless as soon as he had the chance to. His awful experiences during his childhood have left it’s marks. Tobias is suspicious of everything and everyone and knows what to believe and what not to. He learned not to trust people easily, not to be naive and therefore not to be manipulated, which may have helped him in plenty of dangerous situations, but have also made him face difficulties in everyday life. Tobias’ harshness has made him seem like a guy without a heart. He doesn’t let anyone in on his life, has somehow built up a protective layer around him, so that nobody can ever hurt him again. Only for those he has learned to trust, he lets his guard down and opens up. Around his friends he is a normal 18 year old, joking around, having fun and enjoying life. To everyone new he seems cold-hearted and strict, likewise to the 16 year olds in initiation, except for Tris Prior.
Tris plays an important role in Four’s character development. For the first time Four opens up and tells about himself, his history, his name. Their relationship makes us learn about him, about his fears and his strengths. He told her everything I have mentioned before, and this cost him a lot of courage to do.
Tobias has finally found someone he can trust and love with all his heart. We now get to know a side of Tobias, we hadn’t seen before. He tries to protect Tris with all it takes and often stops her from making bad decisions, afraid of losing her. Not only does he open up to her, but her friends and other people around him as well. It seems like he has found his happiness.
Even though Tobias is a fictional character, I admire him. He is only 18 years old, but a mature young man who has experienced life in ways a lot of lucky people haven’t.