Factions (Divergent)
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The faction system is introduced in the first book of the Divergent novel series, also called Divergent (2011), and is designed to maintain peace by assigning citizens to groups based on their dominant personality traits. At age sixteen, individuals take an Aptitude Test, which suggests the faction they are most suited for. They then choose their faction at the Choosing Ceremony, either accepting the test’s recommendation or selecting a different faction, often resulting in separation from their family.
Factions
[edit]The Divergent series, written by Veronica Roth, is set in a dystopian future where society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to cultivating a particular virtue. The system plays a central role in both the novels and the subsequent film adaptations.
The five factions are:
- Abnegation – selflessness
- Amity – peace
- Candor – honesty
- Dauntless – bravery
- Erudite – intelligence
A sixth category exists for those who do not belong to any faction, known as the factionless.[1]
Abnegation
[edit]Abnegation is the faction dedicated to selflessness. Members of Abnegation wear plain gray clothing and avoid vanity. They hold leadership positions due to their commitment to serving others. Characters from Abnegation include Beatrice “Tris” Prior, her parents, and Marcus Eaton (a.k.a Tobias's "Four's" Father).
Amity
[edit]Amity values peace, kindness, and harmony. Members of this faction are responsible for agriculture and wear bright-colored clothing, especially red and yellow. Amity is governed by consensus, and its members often use a Peace Serum to maintain tranquility. Johanna Reyes serves as a spokesperson for Amity.
Candor
[edit]Candor is committed to truth and transparency. Known for wearing black and white to symbolize truth and lies, Candor members often serve as legal professionals. Truth serums are commonly used within the faction. Notable characters include Jack Kang and Niles.
Dauntless
[edit]Dauntless is the faction that values courage. Members act as the city's protectors and are known for wearing black clothing, tattoos, and piercings. They engage in physically demanding and dangerous activities. Prominent members include Four (Tobias Eaton), Tris Prior, Christina, and Eric.
Erudite
[edit]Erudite prizes knowledge, logic, and intelligence. Members often wear blue and work in science, medicine, and education. Erudite’s pursuit of knowledge leads to a power struggle in the series. Jeanine Matthews is the primary antagonist and the leader of Erudite.
Divergence and the Factionless
[edit]Some individuals, like Tris, receive inconclusive Aptitude Test results, meaning they fit into multiple factions. These individuals are known as Divergents and are viewed as threats to the rigid societal structure.
The factionless are individuals who either fail to complete initiation or voluntarily leave their faction. They live in poverty and perform menial labor, lacking representation or rights within society. Despite being marginalized, the factionless play a critical role in the series' later events.[2]
Symbolism
[edit]Each faction is associated with a symbolic substance used during the Choosing Ceremony:
- Abnegation – stones
- Amity – soil
- Candor – glass
- Dauntless – fire
- Erudite – water[2]
Reception and Analysis
[edit]The faction system has been compared to other fictional classification systems, such as the houses in Harry Potter. Critics have noted that the system reflects real-world social categorization and explores themes of identity, conformity, and rebellion.
References
[edit]- ^ "THE FACTIONS". Retrieved 2025-06-20.
- ^ a b Hemenway, Megan (2024-06-02). "All 5 Factions In Divergent Explained". ScreenRant. Retrieved 2025-06-20.
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