Selflessness
Serve others above all, placing the community's needs before personal desire.
Abnegation is the faction dedicated to selflessness, humility, and sacrifice within the dystopian city of Chicago. Members believe that putting the needs of others before their own desires creates a stable society free from corruption. Historically, they have governed the city from the Hub, the tallest building, which serves as the headquarters of the city's government—not exclusively Abnegation's. While other factions focus on bravery or intelligence, Abnegation focuses on service and austerity. Their members wear simple grey clothes to symbolize equality and avoid vanity. Following an attack by Erudite using a simulation, the faction was nearly wiped out, scattering its survivors across the city.
- Faction Name
- Abnegation
- Virtue
- Selflessness
- Headquarters
- The Hub (shared with city government)
- Attire
- Simple Grey Clothing
- Leadership Role
- Primary faction on the Council of Factions; members serve as government leaders
- Notable Member
- Andrew Prior
- Status
- Dispersed Post-Erudite Attack
Lore & Background
The philosophy of Abnegation was established to counterbalance ambition and greed in society. By living simply and serving without recognition, members aimed to prevent any single faction from becoming tyrannical. Abnegation members serve on the Council of Factions and are the primary faction in charge of the government, ensuring decisions benefit the whole population rather than a select few. However, this ideal made them targets for those seeking power. Erudite leaders, driven by a desire for political power and control, orchestrated an attack on Abnegation using a simulation, nearly wiping out the faction and scattering its survivors across the city.
In Their Own Story
The dining hall hums with quiet conversation, a stark contrast to the noise below. A young member places a bowl of plain broth before an elder, eyes cast downward in respect. No thanks are spoken; the act itself is the language here. Outside, rain streaks the glass of the highest tower, washing away the grime of the city streets far beneath.
Reader's Guide
The faction motto centers on the virtue of selflessness, demanding members prioritize others over themselves at all times. Their societal role is critical within Chicago, as they traditionally hold leadership positions within the Faction Council to ensure impartial governance for everyone. Unlike combat-focused groups, their initiation involves a Choosing Ceremony followed by strict adherence to an austere lifestyle marked by simplicity and service rather than physical trials. Key members embody this through quiet sacrifice, such as Andrew Prior, who protected his family despite danger without seeking recognition. However, betrayal exists within the ranks; Marcus Eaton, once President, sided with enemies against his own people for political gain. Transfers into Abnegation are rare due to the hardship of denying personal wants and wearing plain grey clothing daily. Members eat simple food and live in modest quarters atop the tallest building. Ultimately, their philosophy seeks a balanced society where no single group dominates through ambition or power, though this ideal was shattered during the civil war instigated by Erudite leaders seeking control over Divergent minds.
Did You Know?
- Abnegation members traditionally serve on the Council of Factions, which governs Chicago—there is no single President of Chicago.
- Divergence is a genetic trait, not caused by bravery, and can appear in any faction.
- Members wear grey clothing to symbolize humility and lack of vanity.
- The faction's headquarters is located in the Hub, the tallest building in the city, which also houses the city government.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which faction represents selflessness in Divergent?
Abnegation is the faction dedicated to the virtue of selflessness, humility, and sacrifice within Chicago. Its members prioritize the needs of the community above their own personal desires to maintain a stable society.
What role do Abnegation play in city governance?
Historically, this faction has led the city from its headquarters located in the tallest building in Chicago. They serve on the governing council with the specific goal of remaining impartial by denying themselves power for personal gain.
How can you identify a member of Abnegation?
Members wear simple grey and white robes to symbolize equality among citizens and to avoid vanity. This austere attire distinguishes them from other factions that display more colorful or distinctive clothing.
Who is a notable leader associated with selflessness?
Andrew Prior is a prominent figure within Abnegation who exemplifies the faction's values of service and humility. His leadership highlights the importance of placing the collective good above individual ambition.
Why is the virtue of selflessness important to Chicago?
The belief that putting others first prevents corruption helps create a balanced society free from the greed seen in other groups. Without this guiding principle, the city's factions might struggle with internal conflict and instability.
More in Factions & Ideologies
Elsewhere in the Divergent universe
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