I Am Number Four

Throughout the novel, Four experiences memories of Lorien in the form of vivid dreams. Describe the role that memory plays for Four.

Describe the nature of Four and Henri’s relationship. In what ways is their relationship tested over the course of the novel? How does their relationship evolve throughout the novel?

Henri dies fighting the Mogadorians during the battle at Paradise High School. What might Henri’s death symbolize for John? For the future of Lorien?

Names play a significant role in the novel. Choose a name of one of the novel’s main characters (John Smith, Sarah Hart, Sam Goode) or the name of the town in which the novel takes place, Paradise, and analyze what the name might symbolize or suggest about the character and their personality. If you choose Paradise, analyze what the name symbolizes or suggests about the town and the role it plays as the novel’s setting.

Do you think this is a classic “good versus evil” story? Why or why not? Support your argument with evidence from the novel.

Mark James has one of the most surprising character arcs in the novel. Describe how Mark transforms over the course of the novel. Do you think that Mark’s actions during the battle at Paradise High School make up for his behavior toward John, Sam, and Sarah throughout the majority of the novel?

It is revealed at the end of the novel that Bernie Kosar is in fact a Chimæra, a shapeshifting animal from Lorien. Looking back, in what ways was Bernie Kosar’s true nature foreshadowed? How does Four’s connection with Bernie Kosar, even before he knows his true nature, help Four throughout the novel?

Sarah Hart is one of the few female characters to play a significant role in the novel. Do you think that Sarah’s character fits the “damsel in distress” stereotype, or does she defy that stereotype? Why or why not?