A Prayer for Owen Meany

Main Characters and Their Development

• Owen Meany - a small-statured boy with an extraordinarily loud voice. Despite his physical frailty, he possesses an extraordinary strength of spirit. He sees himself as an instrument of divine providence, which is evident in his conviction about the predestination of his actions, including the tragic death of Johnny's mother. Throughout the novel, Owen evolves from a very self-assured and determined child to a person actively seeking his purpose and trying to fulfill it, even if it leads to his own demise.
• Johnny Wheelwright - Owen Meany's best friend and the narrator of most of the story. Orphaned at an early age, he finds in Owen a friend who becomes almost like a brother to him. Johnny's development shows his journey from a compliant boy living in the shadow of his unusual friend and facing losses, to an adult who begins to understand the complexity of the world around him and finds his own voice.
• Tabitha Wheelwright - Johnny's mother, who dies at the beginning of the novel from a baseball accidentally hit by Owen Meany. Her death leaves a deep mark on the lives of the main characters, and memories of her continue to influence Johnny and Owen throughout the book.
• Dan Needham - Johnny's stepfather, who becomes a true father and mentor to him. He supports and inspires Johnny throughout his life, providing him with love and guidance after the death of his parents.