Will

An Erudite transfer whose supportive nature defines his bonds among Dauntless initiates.

Will is a transfer from Erudite to Dauntless during the Choosing Ceremony in the 2014 film Divergent. He joins the initiation class alongside other transfers, including Beatrice Prior, Christina, Al, and Peter. Unlike many who are native to Dauntless, Will arrives with an academic background but seeks to prove himself within the faction's brutal training hierarchy. His presence introduces a dynamic of intellectual curiosity balanced with physical competition, as he navigates the high-stakes environment where failure means becoming Factionless.

Quick Facts

Faction: Dauntless
Role: Initiate; Transfer from Erudite

Lore & Background

Will's journey begins when he selects Dauntless over his home faction of Erudite during the Choosing Ceremony, joining a group that includes Christina and Al from Candor, as well as Peter from Erudite. As an initiate, he faces the same rigorous tests as everyone else, including the initial fear simulation where participants confront their deepest phobias. His path is marked by the constant pressure to perform; those who fail to meet Dauntless standards are cast out. Will's interactions with Beatrice Prior are defined by friendliness and support, not competitive tension. His role remains that of a peer within the training cohort, subject to the same rules and dangers as Christina and Al.

Reader's Guide

Will transfers from Erudite to Dauntless at age 16. He is a member of the initiation class that includes Christina, Al, and Beatrice Prior. His training involves jumping into a net from a building and undergoing fear simulations under the supervision of Four. Will is never identified as Divergent. His status after the final evaluation is not detailed beyond being part of the group that passes or fails based on meeting Dauntless standards. He is distinct from Al, who later commits suicide, and Peter, who attacks Beatrice.

Did You Know?

All initiates must jump from a tall building into a net to earn respect from instructor Four upon arrival at Dauntless headquarters.
Will participates in the fear simulation phase where initiates confront their deepest fears, though his specific results are not detailed.
Will is part of the class that faces Eric's warning: those who fail to meet standards will become Factionless.