The main character and narrator of the story, Jacob, evolves throughout the novel. In the early chapters, readers witness his struggle with his grandfather’s stories. With his age (16 years old), Jacob represents the novel’s coming of age story—his ultimate goal is to understand the man who so shaped his life and what role he plays in the continuation of the story. Jacob’s participation in faith-based activities (believing in his grandfather, putting trust in the peculiar children, following Worm and Dylan to the house of excrement) signify an innocence that is soon replaced when he becomes the leader of the peculiar children’s attempt to rescue Miss Peregrine. Jacob’s evolution is important to the overall story because he is the narrator; it is his voice behind the plot of the novel. Without his evolution, the story would not progress.

Abraham is the most important character, despite being the least present character in the novel. His passing in chapter 1 drives the story’s plot, pushing it forward by creating chaos for Jacob. Without Abraham’s discussion of the children’s house, Miss Peregrine, and the photographs, Jacob would not have had the same journey.