Jack is a unique boy. He wants to do the right thing, he just isn't always sure of what the right thing is. We learn about him in his narration. What I found most shocking was that he knew August--before he showed August around the school one day with Julian and Charlotte, he already knew him. He knew who he was and had seen his face. One day, Jack was out with his babysitter and little brother and they ran into August and his family. When Jack and his younger brother first saw August's face, they freaked out! I'm talking gasps of surprise and horror. Now, even though August was young, he was already used to be people reacting to him like this. However, the experience stuck with Jack Will and he knew exactly who his mom was talking about when she told him his people, Mr. Tushman, had called asking if Jack Will and some other students could show a special boy around school.
At fist, Jack Will was hesitant to do it, but eventually he changed his mind, and I admire him for that. When the school year started, Jack was spending so much time with Auggie because Mr. Tushman put them in all the same classes, but as the year progressed, Jack Will got to know Auggie and genuinely wanted to be his friend. Jack reminds me of those people that you know deep down are good people, so when they do something mean or out of character, you're disappointed in them. When Auggie overheard Jack saying mean things about him to Julian, my heart broke. I knew Auggie's heart had been broken. A trust had been lost; a friendship sunk. But, Jack is the type of person who will look out for and protect the people he cares about. When he realizes Auggie is upset with him, he does everything he can to repair their friendship because he realizes his relationship with Auggie is more important than being considered "popular" by Julian and his crew.
Who decided Julian was in charge anyway? I think that's why we all do a little cheer when Jack Will punches Julian. No, violence is never the answer and we shouldn't promote violence in schools, but let's face it: that was one of the highlights of the novel. Julian had it coming! Please don't think I condone violence, it was just wonderful to see Jack stand up for Auggie. At that point we knew Jack was back on Auggie's side and was going to stick by him. He even started sitting with Auggie and Summer at lunch. It's about time, Jack!
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