Summary
Uglies is the first installment in Scott Westerfeld's bestselling series of dystopian novels challenging the quest for beauty and conformity. Set 300 years in the future, it takes place in a society where everyone undergoes extreme cosmetic surgery at age 16 to become “pretty.” Released in 2005, Uglies struck an immediate chord with its thought-provoking premise and compelling characters. Westerfeld's vivid world-building and exploration of teenage struggles resonated deeply with readers, leading Uglies to become required reading in many schools. The novel's examination of beauty standards and social pressures remains strikingly relevant in today's image-obsessed culture. Westerfeld's vivid world-building and thought-provoking narrative have cemented Uglies and its companion volumes as a staple in the YA dystopian genre, alongside series like The Hunger Games and Divergent.
Plot
In Uglies, 16-year-old Tally Youngblood eagerly awaits her birthday, when she'll undergo an operation to become “pretty.” In this futuristic society, everyone receives cosmetic surgery at 16 to conform to an idealized standard of beauty. Tally's plans are disrupted when she befriends Shay, another “ugly” who questions the necessity of the operation and ultimately runs away to a rebel settlement called the Smoke.
Tally is then coerced by the authoritarian Dr. Cable to find Shay and betray the Smoke's location, or else never receive the pretty operation. Reluctantly, Tally embarks on a journey to the Smoke, following cryptic clues left by Shay. Upon arrival, she discovers a community of runaway “uglies” living freely outside society's constraints. Tally begins to question her mission as she grows close to David, a boy born outside the city, and learns disturbing truths about the pretty operation from his parents.
When Tally accidentally activates a tracking device, Special Circumstances raids the Smoke. In the chaos, Tally escapes with David, and they return to the city to rescue their captured friends. They discover that Shay has already been turned “pretty,” and they manage to free the other captives. David's mother Maddy, a former scientist, begins working on a cure for the brain lesions caused by the pretty operation using stolen information.
Feeling responsible for betraying the Smoke, Tally decides to return to the city and become pretty herself, planning to act as a willing test subject for the cure. She reveals her original mission to a heartbroken David before departing. The novel ends with Tally turning herself in to undergo the pretty operation, setting the stage for the sequel.
Themes
Beauty standards and societal pressure
Identity and individuality
Coming of age and self-discovery
Government control and rebellion
Technology's impact on society
Environmental consequences of past actions
Friendship and loyalty in challenging times
Setting
Set in a dystopian future approximately 300 years from now, Uglies takes place in a post-scarcity world where the remnants of civilization have rebuilt after the collapse of the oil-dependent “Rusty” society. The story unfolds primarily in an unnamed city divided into distinct zones for Uglies, Pretties, and Crumblies (older adults), with the mysterious Special Circumstances headquarters looming over all.
The city represents a seemingly utopian society where the government provides for all needs, including mandatory cosmetic surgery at age 16 to transform Uglies into Pretties. Beyond the city limits lie the ruins of the old world and vast wilderness areas, including the hidden settlement known as the Smoke where rebels have established an alternative community free from the pretty system.
As Tally's journey takes her from the familiar confines of Uglyville to the wilds outside the city, Westerfeld vividly contrasts the sterile, controlled urban environment with the rugged beauty and challenges of nature. This juxtaposition of settings underscores the novel's themes of conformity versus individuality, and the tension between technological progress and environmental preservation.
Characters
Tally Youngblood: The protagonist. Tally is an “Ugly” about to turn 16 and receive the operation to become a “Pretty.” Though clever and adventurous, she initially conforms to society's expectations. As the story progresses, Tally becomes more independent and questions the values of her world. Her journey leads her to discover the dark truth behind the Pretty operation and ultimately sacrifice herself to help find a cure.
Shay: Tally's rebellious friend who introduces her to hoverboarding and the idea of escaping to the Smoke. Shay is skeptical of the Pretty system and runs away before her scheduled operation. Her disappearance sets the main plot in motion when Tally is forced to find her. Shay becomes jealous of Tally's relationship with David in the Smoke.
David: A boy born outside the city who lives in the Smoke. David teaches Tally survival skills and helps her see the value in natural beauty. He falls in love with Tally and plays a crucial role in rescuing the captured Smokies. David's perspective challenges Tally's ingrained beliefs about beauty and society.
Dr. Cable: The intimidating head of Special Circumstances. Dr. Cable blackmails Tally into finding the Smoke and represents the controlling, manipulative nature of their society. She is described as having sharp features and a cruel demeanor, embodying the sinister side of the “pretty” world.
Peris: Tally's childhood best friend who becomes a Pretty at the start of the story. His transformation motivates Tally to look forward to her own operation. Peris represents the allure of the Pretty lifestyle.
Maddy and Az: David's parents and the founders of the Smoke. They are former doctors who discovered the truth about the Pretty operation and escaped the city. Maddy works on developing a cure for the brain lesions caused by the operation.
Croy: A Smokie who is initially suspicious of Tally but grows to trust her. He helps with the rescue mission after the Smoke is captured.
Ellie and Sol Youngblood: Tally's parents, who are Middle Pretties. They briefly appear to encourage Tally to conform to society's expectations.
Quick facts
Uglies was inspired by an email Scott Westerfeld received from a friend about cosmetic surgery culture shock in Los Angeles.
Uglies shares themes with a 1964 episode of The Twilight Zone called “Number 12 Looks Just Like You."
In the book’s dedication, Westerfield credits email exchanges with sci-fi author Ted Chiang with shaping the book.
Westerfeld created unique slang terms like “bogus” and “bubbly” for the futuristic setting.
Uglies is the first book in a series that includes Pretties, Specials, and Extras.
Uglies sparked real-world discussions about plastic surgery and teen privacy issues.
A manga-style graphic novel adaptation called Shay's Story was released in 2012.
Film rights were originally purchased in 2006 but the project was stuck in development for years.
The audiobook version, released in 2006, is narrated by Emily Tremaine.
In 2024, Netflix released a film adaptation, starring Joey King.
About the Author
Scott Westerfeld (1963-) is a prolific American author best known for his young adult novels. His writing often explores themes of free thinking, questioning authority, and coming of age, widely resonating with teenage readers. His most famous work, the Uglies, a dystopian trilogy exploring the toll of conforming to societal standards of beauty, has sold millions of copies worldwide and was adapted into a Netflix film. His Leviathan trilogy, a steampunk series offering an alternative history of World War I, has also gained significant popularity and is being adapted into an anime series.
A native of Dallas, Texas, Westerfeld has a background in philosophy and music composition. His novels have won many awards, including the Philip K. Dick (Special Citation), Indie Choice, and Locus, and have been named New York Times Notable and American Library Association Best Books of the Year. His work has also been recognized internationally, winning prestigious honors such as the Victorian Premier's Award in Australia and the Grand Prix de l'Imaginaire in France.
Westerfeld is known for his engagement with fans and his collaborative projects. He has worked on graphic novels, such as the Spill Zone series, and co-authored the Zeroes trilogy with fellow writers Margo Lanagan and Deborah Biancotti. Dividing his time between Sydney, Australia, and New York City, Westerfeld continues to be an influential voice in young adult literature, pushing boundaries and inspiring new generations of readers.
