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Illustrated portrait of Brad

A character in The Wave

Brad

Brad begins as one of Robert’s principal tormentors.

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

Brad begins as one of Robert’s principal tormentors. The Wave’s rule of equality stops some of his open bullying, which shows why the movement can initially seem beneficial. He later enforces the salute at the football game and tries to bar Laurie from the stands. His compliance demonstrates how quickly someone can move from casual bully to institutional gatekeeper.

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