Legend

“An inferior child with bad genes is no use to the country.”

The Republic’s obsession with “good genes” means that it believes in the idea of eugenics: Some people are genetically superior, and they should be granted all of the opportunities and privileges to thrive and go on to make more people like them. Meanwhile, those with “bad genes” aren’t just cast aside: They are actively targeted to encourage those inferior genes to die out. June was nurtured, whereas Day was used as a lab specimen, despite their identical Trial scores. One came from “good genes,” and the other did not.

“The Republic’s favorite little prodigy is in trouble again.”

Although June is a prodigy with a perfect score on the Trial, she has a rebellious streak that often drives her to question the rules in very public settings. She is allowed to get away with these antics because of her social standing, but this detail hints that June is naturally inclined to challenge the rules. She may be a true believer in the Republic at the beginning of the novel, but once she realizes the depth of evil that is present in the Republic, rebellion wins out.

“I’m the only person in the entire Republic with a perfect 1500 score on her Trial.”

June isn’t just smart: She is intellectually superior to her peers and everyone in her society. She also possesses a great deal of strength, agility, and tactical skills.