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Illustrated portrait of David Collins

A character in The Wave

David Collins

David is Laurie’s boyfriend and a running back on Gordon High’s football team.

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

David is Laurie’s boyfriend and a running back on Gordon High’s football team. He sees the Wave as a practical way to replace selfish play with teamwork. His desire for results makes him dismiss Laurie’s warnings until he uses physical force against her. Horrified by his own behavior, he leaves the movement, reconciles with Laurie, and helps confront Ben.

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