William Minerva is the pseudonym of a person who gives hints for children to learn all about the outside world and how to survive there. His symbol is that of an owl used as an identification sticker in his books. He uses these as hints so they could learn the truth and escape before they get eaten. It was later shown that William Minerva’s real name was actually James Ratri. He felt guilty of seeing the children be killed one by one. That’s why he gave away those books. So when someone does realize what is actually happening, they would be able to run away safely.