Calvin O'Keefe

Visiting... the universe. Calvin’s life is turned upside down with the arrival of an eccentric trio of astral travelers named Mrs. Whatsit, Mrs. Which, and Mrs. Who. One minute Calvin is standing in his friend’s backyard, the next he’s “tessering” across time and space to distant planets like Uriel and Camazotz.

Profession... middle schooler—and maybe a cosmic warrior too. Before the arrival of “The Mrs,” Calvin’s biggest concern was getting good grades in school. Now his perspective has suddenly gotten a whole lot more intergalactic.

Relationship Status... crushing on Meg Murry. Calvin might not openly talk about his feelings, but it’s pretty clear he’s smitten by his brilliant but prickly classmate Meg. What Meg sees as her faults, Calvin sees as her strengths.

Challenge... rescuing Meg’s dad. It’s been four years since Meg’s scientist father disappeared without a trace. While many suspect he simply abandoned his family, “The Mrs.” reveal that Mr. Murry accidentally tessered across space and got stranded out in the universe. They enlist Calvin, Meg, and Meg’s precocious little brother Charles Wallace to help them find Mr. Murry before an evil dark energy known as “The It” gets him first. Calvin is specifically chosen for the mission because of his natural skills at diplomacy.

Personality... popular and personable. Calvin tends to get along well with just about everyone, from his classmates to his teaches. Though he’s one of the most popular kids at school, he doesn’t just follow what other people say. He knows how to think for himself too. He naturally sees the good in other people, no matter how strange or unusual they might seem at first glance. From the outside, Calvin’s life looks kind of perfect. But his people-pleasing tendencies actually stem from a place of insecurity. When Meg notes that Calvin wouldn’t know what it’s like to be mocked and ridiculed, he responds, “You’d be surprised.” In fact, Calvin is regularly bullied at home by his demanding dad, which is part of the reason he’s so eager to seek validation from others.