Christopher Boone - The 15-year-old narrator and protagonist of the novel. He has an unspecified condition that is implied to be autism or Asperger's syndrome. Christopher has exceptional skills in math and science but struggles with social interactions and interpreting emotions. He embarks on an investigation to find out who killed the neighbor's dog Wellington.

Ed Boone - Christopher's father, who initially lies to Christopher about his mother's whereabouts. He killed the neighbor's dog Wellington after an argument with the neighbor Mrs. Shears, with whom he was having an affair.

Judy Boone - Christopher's mother, who had an affair with Mr. Shears and left the family to live with him in London for a period before returning.

Mrs. Shears - The neighbor whose dog Wellington was killed. She had an affair with Ed Boone, Christopher's father.

Mr. Shears - Mrs. Shears' husband, with whom Judy Boone (Christopher's mother) had an affair and lived with for some time in London.

Siobhan - Christopher's teacher at school who gives him the assignment to write the book that becomes the novel's narrative.

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Truth and Honesty
Christopher has a strong commitment to truth and honesty, which shapes his worldview and actions. The novel explores the complexities of truth, as Christopher uncovers difficult truths about his family that challenge his sense of trust and safety.

Family Dynamics and Relationships
The novel delves into the intricate dynamics of Christopher's family, particularly his relationships with his parents. It examines the challenges and misunderstandings that can arise when caring for a neurodivergent child, as well as the unconditional love and resilience of family bonds.

Growing Up and Independence
Christopher's investigation into the mystery of the murdered dog serves as a metaphor for his journey towards independence and self-discovery. The novel explores the themes of growing up, overcoming fears, and navigating the complexities of the adult world.

Logic vs. Emotion
Christopher's logical and analytical approach to life often clashes with the emotional and social nuances of the world around him. The novel contrasts Christopher's rational mindset with the emotional experiences of other characters, highlighting the tension between logic and emotion.

Through these themes, "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time" offers a poignant and insightful exploration of neurodivergence, family dynamics, and the human experience.

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"The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time" received widespread acclaim and generated a significant impact in both literary and social contexts.

The novel was noted for its unique structure, including the use of illustrations, diagrams, and maps, which helped readers connect with Christopher's logical and methodical world view.

It has been included in school curricula in several countries, appreciated for its accessibility and the valuable discussions it prompts about neurodiversity and empathy.

While many appreciated the spotlight it placed on autism, some members of the autism community felt that the portrayal of Christopher was a bit stereotypical and did not encompass the full diversity of the autism spectrum.

Overall, "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time" is regarded as a groundbreaking and influential work that successfully combines a compelling mystery with a deep, empathetic portrayal of a young man navigating the world with a unique perspective.