Proving moral or religious influence in a character

Character: Levi "Lev" Calder Role: Main character

Levi Calder, better known as "Lev" is an especially interesting character. Unlike the other escaped unwinds, he believes it is his destiny to be unwound. In the beginning of the book, his parents throw a huge party to celebrate his 13th birthday, and he is described as a "tithe" by himself and his parents. The word tithe generally means one tenth of your profit, belongings, etc. that you donate as an offering in church or some other religious affiliate. That is also the case in the story. Lev was raised on the belief that because he is the tenth child, he is an offering to God. "He knew he was a tithe from the time he was little. 'You're special,' his parents had always told him. 'Your life will be to serve God, and mankind.'... Just because he's to be unwound does NOT mean he's an unwind... Lev has always felt closer to God than to his friends, or even his family." (Shusterman p. 31-31) Lev is somewhat okay with being unwound because of his belief that he is an offering to God. Another instance of his faith affecting his actions is the choices he makes after he has been rescued. He gets angry at Connor and Risa for saving him, because he won't be tithed, and his destiny won't be fulfilled. "It's no use trying to explain to this Godless pair what tithing is all about. How giving of one's self is the ultimate blessing. They'd never understand or care. Save him? They haven't saved him, they've damned him."(Shusterman p. 42) In the end, however, he comes to the realization that unwinding is not really part of his religion, and a big part of his inner conflict is resolved, and he gains the will to keep living. "'I still very much believe in God - just not a God who condones human tithing.' Lev begins to feel himself choking up with an unexpected flood of feeling, all the emotions that had been building up throughout their talk - throughout the weeks - arriving all at once, like a sonic boom. 'I never knew that was a choice.' All his life there was only one thing Lev was allowed to believe. It had surrounded him, cocooned him, constricted him with the same stifling softness as the layers of insulation around him now. For the first time in his life, Lev feels those bonds around his soul begin to loosen. 'You think maybe I can believe in that God, too?'"(Shusterman p. 329) In this story, Lev is a very faith driven character, and the evidence above supports the theory that his religion definitely played a role in his choices and actions.