Will Webster: From Devastation to Resilience in Never Say Never
Overview
Will Webster is the twenty-four-year-old son of Oona and Charles Webster in Danielle Steel’s Never Say Never. Initially presented as a sensitive young adult who has grown up in a seemingly stable home, Will’s world is shattered when his father reveals he is gay and plans to leave the family for his partner, Roberto. Over the course of the novel, Will navigates grief, a secret marriage, a life-threatening bout with COVID-19, and ultimately emerges with a clearer sense of his own values and future. His arc mirrors the novel’s central themes of betrayal, resilience, and the unpredictable nature of life.
Plot Role
Will serves as a key emotional driver for his mother Oona’s growth and as a representative of the pandemic’s indiscriminate impact. His devastation at his father’s departure forces Oona to confront the new fragility of her family. Later, Will’s COVID-19 hospitalization becomes a crisis that pushes Oona to reevaluate her priorities and ultimately commit to Ashley Rowe. Will’s secret marriage to Heather also tests Oona’s ability to accept her children’s independent choices. In the resolution, Will’s survival and decision to pursue graduate school symbolize hope and the possibility of rebuilding after loss.
Motivations and Traits Shown Through Actions
Desire for stability – Will reacts strongly to his father’s news because it demolishes the secure family he believed in. His tears and pale complexion during the December 26 conversation show his deep emotional investment in the status quo.
Loyalty – Will brings Heather to France, indicating his commitment to her early in the story. Marrying her without family present demonstrates his determination to build his own stable unit, even if it means defying his mother’s expectations.
Resilience – Despite being acutely ill with COVID-19, Will fights through a week in the ICU and regains his strength. The evidence notes that he “hadn‘t lost his sense of humor” upon returning home, reflecting his inner strength.
Reflective nature – During his recovery, Will decides to pursue a joint business and law degree because he does not want to end up in a “meaningless job” like his father’s. This shows he has learned from his father’s mistakes and wants a purposeful career.
Chronological Arc
Before the revelation – Will lives an ordinary life, working and dating Heather. He expects to celebrate his parents’ twenty-fifth anniversary and join them in France.
Christmas revelation – On December 26, Charles tells Will and Meghan he is gay, in love with Roberto, and leaving for six months. Will is devastated, crying and unable to hide his distress. He immediately asks if he can bring Heather to France, seeking comfort in her presence.
Months of adjustment – Will struggles with his father’s absence. The evidence from chapter 9 shows he is still struggling with the idea of his father being gay, while Meghan seems more accepting. He supports his mother from a distance.
Secret marriage – Will marries Heather in a small ceremony without informing his mother. Oona is initially hurt, but later respects the decision after seeing Heather’s devotion during Will’s illness.
COVID-19 illness – Will contracts COVID-19 and is hospitalized in intensive care for a week. Oona flies to San Francisco and stays with Heather. The ordeal nearly kills him, but he recovers after losing taste and smell, and significant weight.
Recovery and new direction – Once home, Will regains his energy slowly. He tells his mother he has decided to attend graduate school for business and law, supported by Heather. He also expresses gratitude and acknowledges his mother’s support.
Relationships
Oona (mother) – Will shares a close bond with Oona. He turns to her for permission to bring Heather to France. During his illness, Oona’s presence by Heather’s side cements their relationship. After recovery, Will thanks her for being kind to Heather, and Oona tells him he has won her respect. The experience strengthens their understanding of each other.
Charles (father) – Will is devastated by his father’s news, feeling betrayed by the years of deception. At the divorce discussions, Will is initially cold. However, after his illness, he uses his father’s wasted career as a cautionary tale, suggesting a grudging acceptance of Charles‘s choices even as he resolves to live differently.
Heather (wife) – Heather is a stabilizing presence. She cares for Will during his illness, and Oona notes that she “loves him.” Their marriage, while secret, proves to be a committed partnership. Will’s decision to marry her underscores his need for a family of his own.
Meghan (sister) – Limited direct interaction is shown, but both siblings are united in their initial anger at their father. Meghan’s acceptance of Charles’s orientation contrasts with Will’s ongoing struggle, but they remain a supportive family unit.
Key Decisions and Consequences
| Decision | Consequence |
|---|---|
| Marrying Heather without telling Oona | Oona is initially angry, but the marriage proves to be a loving union, and Oona eventually respects it. |
| Bringing Heather to France | Gives Will emotional support during a turbulent time and shows his commitment. |
| Surviving COVID-19 and the decision to go to graduate school | Will gains a new purpose and avoids the career emptiness he saw in his father. His recovery also inspires Oona to seize her own second chance with Ashley. |
Theme and Symbol Connections
Betrayal and Trust – Will feels deeply betrayed by his father, not because of his sexuality, but because of the lies and abandonment. This theme is central to his initial pain.
Self-Discovery and Resilience – Will’s journey mirrors Oona’s: both are forced to rebuild after their foundations crack. His survival of COVID-19 and his academic ambition represent resilience.
Pandemic and Isolation – Will’s COVID-19 hospitalization serves as a stark reminder of the pandemic’s reach. His isolation in the ICU and the fear it generates for his family underscore the novel’s exploration of vulnerability.
Second Chances – Will receives a second chance at life. His decision to pursue a meaningful career is an act of reclaiming his future.
Family Bonds – The crisis brings Will and Oona closer. He also strengthens his bond with Heather, creating a new family unit that will continue after the novel ends.
Five Book-Specific Questions and Answers
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Why did Will marry Heather in secret?
Will wanted to commit to Heather without waiting for his parents’ approval, especially given the upheaval of his father’s departure. The pandemic also made a large gathering impractical. He later tells Oona that the decision was intentional, not accidental, and he was willing to face her anger to secure his happiness. -
How does Will’s COVID-19 illness affect his relationship with his mother?
The illness becomes a turning point. Oona drops everything to be with him, and she bonds with Heather during the ordeal. By the time Will recovers, Oona has lost her anger about the secret marriage and instead respects the love Heather shows. Will himself thanks his mother for her support. -
What lesson does Will take from his father’s life?
Will decides he does not want to end up like his father — trapped in a meaningless job and a life of lies. While hospitalized, he resolves to pursue a combined business and law degree so that his career will have purpose. -
Does Will eventually forgive his father?
The novel suggests a partial acceptance rather than outright forgiveness. Will uses his father’s story as a cautionary example but does not express overt anger later. He focuses on his own future rather than dwelling on the past. -
How does Will’s character arc reflect the theme of self-discovery?
Will starts the novel defined by his relationship to his parents. After their breakup and his own brush with death, he discovers his own values: loyalty to Heather, the desire for meaningful work, and the importance of seizing life. His graduation plans and renewed engagement with his family show a young adult who has learned who he wants to be.