Reynie is the main protagonist, and much of the novel is told from his perspective. He is 11 years old, average in appearance, and was orphaned as an infant. He grew up in Stonetown Orphanage. Due to his exceptional intelligence, he was given a tutor, Miss Perumal. He particularly skilled at problem-solving and logical deduction. He is generous, kind, trustworthy, and an excellent judge of character. Reynie is startled to hear Mr. Benedict refer to him as a hero, but he is clearly a hero figure in the story.

Reynie emerges as the group’s natural leader, due to his level-headedness and teamwork skills, as well as his ability to solve problems. The other children look to him to come up with plans and strategies, which wears on Reynie as time goes on. Reynie wants to be a good person, but he is not always confident that he is strong enough to do the right thing. Reynie’s greatest fear is being alone, which he developed during his years of isolation in the orphanage. When the Whisperer gives him a false feeling of belonging, Reynie comes to crave that emotional connection, and it becomes like a drug to him.