This thesis employs structural analysis and discusses about the life struggles and character development of the main character in R.J. Palacio’s novel Wonder. The data were divided into the main and secondary data. The main data of the research were collected from the novel of R.J. Palacio entitled Wonder. Meanwhile, the secondary data were taken from the related books, articles, online references, and other academic writings.
The result of this research shows that every structural element in the novel cannot be separated because these structures are related and build the entire story. Another result is that Auggie’s life struggles impacted his character development. He struggled to be accepted by his new schoolmates who found him strange because he had a different face compared to others. He wanted them to treat him ordinary, by talking to him and playing with him. In the end of the novel, Auggie succeeded it. Auggie became the popular boy who got a standing ovation from all his schoolmates when he received the school’s special award of being kind. Everyone then wanted to get close and be his friend. Auggie realized that even though he had a facial deformity, people would accept him slowly. People only needed some time to get used to Auggie’s rare facial condition. Another result of this research is Auggie’s changes throughout the story shows that he had character development. Auggie developed his character from a shy, insecure, alienated boy who had low self-esteem and anxiety and became a tough person who thought that face did not matter, and attitude matter. Auggie successfully achieved his struggles to get accepted by his schoolmates. Auggie became developed person after going through every problem that he had to face in the novel