Matthias

Matthias is a boy who is one of several taken into custody by the Population Police, an entity charged with arresting third children of families because they are illegal. He doesn't know his parents and was left rather than facing the Population Police. Matthias takes over the leadership role of the three friends. He is the oldest of the three and believes he is about thirteen, several years older than Percy and Alia. This sense of responsibility makes Matthias feel guilty when Alia and Percy are injured. Matthias is resourceful and takes the blame when his actions sometimes cause harm to others, even though he is taking action in impossible situations. Matthias struggles with the teachings of a former guardian, Samuel, who was religious and taught non-violence. Matthias is angry that Samuel put himself in harm's way and was killed but eventually comes to realize that Samuel couldn't...