Minho is branded with a tattoo that designates him the leader of the Gladers. When the Gladers reach the city, however, there are plaques all over the walls that say Thomas is the true leader. Giving examples of the character traits and actions of the two boys in the novel, do you think Minho is the true leader of the Gladers, or is Thomas?

Early on in the novel, Teresa is identified as “The Betrayer.” Though Thomas refuses to believe this, as the novel progresses, he must face this reality. What is Thomas’s reaction to Teresa’s betrayal, and what is Teresa’s rationale behind her actions? Can Teresa still be trusted? Is WICKED really good, as she says at the end? Is Teresa good?

Brenda and Jorge are two new characters who help the Gladers to reach the safe haven. Given WICKED’s reach and control of the Trials, can these two really be trusted? With examples of their roles and actions in the novel, make a case as to whether the two are simply civilians picked up along the way, or yet another Variable engineered by