Dauntless Transfer Ritual

Candidates face simulations to reveal their greatest fears.

In Divergent, sixteen-year-old Tris Prior takes an aptitude test revealing she is Divergent, with the aptitude to fit into Erudite, Abnegation, and Dauntless. During the Choosing Ceremony, she transfers to Dauntless and assumes the moniker 'Tris'. She befriends fellow initiates Christina and Al from Candor, and Will from Erudite. Her low overall ranking in the first stage puts her at risk of being cut, but she plays a major part in her team's victory during a capture the flag event.

Quick Facts

Faction affiliation: Dauntless
Key challenge: Fear Landscape Simulation

Lore & Background

During the second initiation period, candidates enter virtual reality simulations to confront their greatest fears. For Tris, these include being attacked by crows, drowning, being tied and burned to death, intimacy issues regarding trust, and killing her family members. Candidates must demonstrate an ability to dismiss or clear these obstacles; those who fail risk elimination.

Reader's Guide

The inciting incident is the aptitude test administered by Tori, who warns Tris never to reveal her Divergent status. The Choosing Ceremony follows, where sixteen-year-olds select their factions. Rising action involves the first initiation period of physical training and matches against rivals like Peter. Tensions rise as candidates vie for ranking. The climax occurs during the second initiation period, where candidates face fear simulations; Tris shows an uncanny ability to clear obstacles quickly, drawing instructor Four's attention.

Did You Know?

Tris bears a tattoo of three crows on her left collarbone, each representing one of her family members.
The nickname 'Four' comes from other Dauntless initiates because Tobias has only four fears: heights, claustrophobia, shooting innocents, and intimacy.
During the second initiation period, Tris's greatest fear simulation includes being attacked by crows, which is symbolic of not having power or control.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Dauntless Transfer Ritual?

The Dauntless Transfer Ritual is the rigorous initiation process required for sixteen-year-olds who choose to leave their birth factions to join Dauntless. Unlike native members, transfers must overcome inherent suspicion by proving their loyalty through grueling physical and mental challenges.

Who qualifies to participate in this event?

Participation is restricted to sixteen-year-olds who are not born into Dauntless but wish to switch their allegiance during Choosing Day. These individuals, known as transfers, must undergo specific testing distinct from those raised within the faction.

What is the most significant challenge during initiation?

A key challenge involves navigating a personalized Fear Landscape Simulation designed to test courage under extreme psychological pressure. Failure to confront these specific fears often results in expulsion from the faction before training even concludes.