John Wheelwright

John Weelwright is the narrator of the novel and Owen Meany’s best friend. John comes from an old an aristocratic family of Gravesend, New Hampshire. He is the son of Tabitha (Tabby) Wheelwright and Reverend Merrill, though he does not discover the identity of his father until the end of the novel. John is missing his right index finger; Owen Meany amputated it in order to prevent John from being drafted. John narrates the story of his childhood and the rebirth of his religious faith in the ‘50s and ‘60s in 1987 from his home in Canada. He often interrupts the narrative with anti-Reagan/American government rants. John remains a virgin for the duration of the novel.

Owen Meany

Owen Meany is a dwarf with oddly incandescent skin and high, broken voice (written in all capital letters). Owen Meany is the hero of the story. He is...