I think Jonas's most important characteristic is the fact that he is empathetic. It's probably the main reason why he chosen to be the new receiver of memory. He has the ability to relate to and understand the emotions of others. That's pretty amazing considering that his society has basically eliminated emotions completely with the Sameness. For example, Jonas is deeply disturbed by the war games that the kids are playing because he finally understands what war causes people.
"Asher," Jonas said. He was trying to speak carefully, and with kindness, to say exactly what he wanted to say. "You had no way ofknowing this. I didn't know it myself until recently. But it's a cruel game. In the past, there have--"
Jonas is also a very caring boy. That goes with empathy of course, but it goes beyond empathy. Jonas cares for others, their safety, and their lives. It's why he is willing to risk his own life in order to save his brother's life.
That last example also highlights a third trait of Jonas. He is brave. He shows bravery throughout the book. He is brave to continually go back to the Giver in order to receive what he knows will be painful memories. He is also brave for standing up to the Sameness and trying to get his brother and himself to a new community. He knows it will be dangerous, and he doesn't know anything of what to expect. Stepping out into so many unknowns is quite brave.
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