Divergent: A Dystopian Society Divided
Sixteen-year-old Beatrice Prior lives in post-apocalyptic Chicago, where society is divided into five factions:
- Amity (kind)
- Erudite (intelligent)
- Candor (honest)
- Abnegation (selfless)
- Dauntless (brave)
Beatrice and her brother, Caleb, must take an aptitude test that will determine which faction they are best suited for. They will then choose which faction to join, a decision that will determine their values and way of life for the rest of their lives.
The Aptitude Test and the Divergent
During the aptitude test, Beatrice is injected with a serum that simulates various scenarios. Her reactions to these scenarios are judged to determine her aptitude. However, the results are inconclusive. Instead of showing aptitude for only one faction, Beatrice displays an aptitude for three: Abnegation, Dauntless, and Erudite. The administrator reveals that this makes her Divergent, a classification considered dangerous. Beatrice is warned to keep her results a secret, as those identified as Divergent are often eliminated.
Faction Tensions and a Difficult Choice
Beatrice’s family belongs to Abnegation, the faction that has governed since the factions were formed to establish peace. Tensions rise between Abnegation and Erudite when Erudite leader Jeanine Matthews releases a report accusing Abnegation leader Marcus of abusing his son, Tobias. This report is believed to be a fabrication to discredit Abnegation. Beatrice, who has never met Tobias, understands the gravity of leaving one faction for another, as it is considered a betrayal. While she secretly admires Dauntless, she knows that choosing another faction means leaving her family behind.
Choosing a Faction and Dauntless Initiation
At the Choosing Ceremony, Caleb shocks everyone by choosing Erudite. Beatrice, initially intending to choose Abnegation, makes a last-minute decision to join Dauntless, much to her father’s disappointment.
Beatrice, now renamed Tris, begins her Dauntless initiation alongside other initiates. They are informed that only ten will succeed, while the rest will become factionless—outcasts with no place in society. Tris befriends Christina and Al from Candor and Will from Erudite, while enduring bullying from fellow initiates Peter, Drew, and Molly.
Unveiling Secrets and Facing Fears
Dauntless instructor Four oversees their training, which includes weapon handling and combat. Tris finds herself both intimidated and drawn to Four. During a visit, Tris’ mother reveals her own Dauntless past and warns Tris to avoid drawing attention to herself as a Divergent. She also asks Tris to visit Caleb in Erudite and inquire about the simulation serum.
Stage two of initiation involves conquering fears through simulations. Tris excels, discovering her ability to manipulate the simulations. Four, recognizing this as a sign of being Divergent, warns her of the danger and deletes the footage. Despite her efforts to remain inconspicuous, Tris’ skills earn her the top ranking, fueling jealousy among her peers. Three initiates, including Al, attempt to kill her, but Four intervenes.
A Divergent Connection and Erudite’s Plot
Tris and Four’s bond deepens, leading them to share their fears through simulations. Tris discovers Four’s true identity as Tobias, Marcus’ son and an Abnegation transfer. His greatest fear stems from his father’s abuse. Their connection grows into a romantic relationship.
Tris’ visit to Caleb in Erudite raises concerns about an impending threat. Jeanine, suspicious of Tris’ Divergence, questions her loyalty. Tris manages to return to Dauntless, where Four reveals Erudite’s plan to use Dauntless as soldiers in a war against Abnegation.
The Attack on Abnegation and the Fight for Control
Tris successfully completes her initiation, but a tracking serum administered afterward raises suspicions. Her fears are confirmed when the serum activates, placing all Dauntless initiates except her and Four under mind control. The Erudite-controlled Dauntless attack Abnegation, leading to chaos and bloodshed. Tris’ mother sacrifices herself to help her escape.
Confronting Betrayal and Reclaiming Freedom
Reuniting with her father and others, Tris returns to Dauntless headquarters to disable the mind-control simulation. After a confrontation with Peter, they locate the computer room, where Tris’ father is killed protecting her. Tris confronts Four, who is also under the simulation’s influence. Using their connection, she helps him break free, and together they disable the program.
Seeking Refuge and an Uncertain Future
With the Dauntless freed from mind control, Tris reunites with Caleb, and Four confronts his father. Seeking refuge, they journey to Amity headquarters, carrying the weight of their experiences and an uncertain future.