'Divergent' 101: Meet the Characters

So you still don't know much about the YA adaptation coming to theaters March 21, Divergent, starring Shailene Woodley? With so many people, groups and ideologies to keep track of, it's no wonder you might be confused what it's about. See where everyone stands at a glance with our guide. By Perri Nemiroff

Jeanine Matthews

Jeanine is the leader of Erudite and Divergent’s main antagonist. She’s the one busy trying to demolish Abnegation’s reputation so that her own faction can assume control of the government. As a stickler for the rules and the “faction before blood” way of life, Jeanine has no tolerance for the Divergent.

Who is she? Academy Award winner Kate Winslet

Tris Prior

Our leading lady. Whereas most receive a single result at the faction-determining aptitude test, Tris gets three – Abnegation (selflessness), Erudite (intelligence) and Dauntless (bravery) – and that makes her "Divergent." Tris decides to leave her family behind in Abnegation to follow her gut and join Dauntless.

Who is she? Shailene Woodley (The Descendants,The Spectacular Now)

Caleb Prior

Tris’ older brother. They’re both due for the Choosing Ceremony the same year. Unlike Tris, being selfless always came naturally to Caleb, making him a model Abnegation citizen. However, much to her surprise, he also opts to defect, leaving his parents behind for Erudite.

Who is he? Ansel Elgort (the remake of Carrie, The Fault in Our Stars)

Natalie Prior

Caleb and Tris’ mother. She is Abnegation through and through, adhering to the faction’s rejection of vanity, luxury and even spicy foods, but she knows when to defy the society slogan “Faction before blood” and defend her loved ones.

Who is she? In addition to Divergent, Ashley Judd will also add Dolphin Tale 2 to her long resume later this year.

Andrew Prior

Caleb and Tris’ father. Whereas Natalie is understanding of her children’s decision to switch factions, Andrew has a harder time letting go. However, with Erudite making moves to take control of the government from Abnegation, as a city council member, Andrew has much more pressing issues on his hands.

Who is he? Tony Goldwyn (Ghost the remake of Last House on the Left)

Marcus Eaton

An Abnegation council member. When we’re first introduced to Marcus, it’s because there’s some scrutiny regarding a rumor of child abuse. There’s no ignoring the abhorrent accusation, but when the state of the society is on the line, he is vital to protecting it.

Who is he? You probably recognize Ray Stevenson from Dexter (pictured), or as Volstagg in Thor.

Four

Four is the transfer initiate instructor at Dauntless, making him the one responsible for leading Tris through the process. He’s all business, forcing his initiates to plow through training, even if it means getting hurt. But he’s got his limits, especially when it comes to Tris.

Who is he? Theo James (Underworld: Awakening)

Tori

Tori administers Tris’ aptitude test. Even though Divergence is considered a serious threat to the structure of the society, rather than rat her out, Tori sends Tris off with a cover story. Back at Dauntless, Tori works at the tattoo parlor, giving Tris another opportunity to pick Tori’s brain about being Divergent.

Who is she? Maggie Q, TV's Nikita (2010-2013)

Eric

Eric is a Dauntless leader, but he graduated second in his initiation class behind Four. Eric enjoys taking out his jealousy and rage on Four’s initiates, often insisting they perform life-threatening tasks or get kicked out and become factionless.

Who is he? Jai Courtney (A Good Day to Die Hard, Spartacus); he also just locked the role of Kyle Reese in the upcoming Terminator movie.

Max

Max is Dauntless’ #1. He’s a die-hard leader, willing to do anything to preserve his faction’s values, but he’s often seen alongside the Erudite leader, Jeanine Matthews, which raises some eyebrows.

Who is he? Mekhi Phifer had lengthy runs on ER, Lie to Me and Torchwood, and also appeared on the big screen in 8 Mile, Dawn of the Dead and more.

Dauntless: Christina

Christina is a Candor (honesty) who transfers into Dauntless, so even though she aspires to be strong and brave, her tendency to speak the truth without a filter gets her into trouble. She befriends with Tris and cozies up to fellow initiate Will.

Who is she? Zoe Kravitz first hit the big screen with a small part in No Reservations, but since, she’s been racking up credits including X-Men: First Class, After Earth, and more.

Will

Will comes to Dauntless from Erudite, instantly befriends Tris and takes a special liking to Christina. Like most Erudite, Will has a tough time ditching his keen sense of logic and awareness of the facts, but works to power through initiation, supporting his friends the whole way through.

Who is he? Newcomer Ben Lloyd-Hughes

Al

Al is more a lover than a fighter, but he still opts to transfer from Candor into Dauntless. He immediately takes to Tris, Christina and Will, but can’t keep up with his friends in training. While Tris is busy working her way up and up, Al just lingers at the bottom of the chart.

Who is he? Christian Madsen is the son of Michael Madsen. He’s had small parts in his father’s movies, but Divergent is his first big solo gig.

Peter

Peter is a Dauntless initiate originally from Candor. He wants that top spot in his initiation class and is willing to do absolutely anything to get it -- bullying, fighting, total elimination.

Who is he? Miles Teller (Shailene Woodley's costar in Spectactular Now, also That Awkward Moment and Project X); just announced as Reed Richards/Mr. Fantastic in Fantastic Four reboot