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Illustrated portrait of Amy Smith

A character in The Wave

Amy Smith

Amy is Laurie’s close friend and intellectual peer.

The book

Cover of The Wave by Todd Strasser
The WaveTodd Strasser, 1981

A classroom experiment shows how quickly discipline, slogans, symbols, and belonging can replace judgment.

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Who they are in the book

Spoiler-free

Amy is Laurie’s close friend and intellectual peer. She often feels that she is measured against Laurie in grades, popularity, and attention. The Wave’s promise that no one is more important than anyone else appeals to her insecurity. She initially resents Laurie’s criticism but embraces her after Ben exposes the movement.

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