LORD OF THE FLIES CHARACTERIZATION
Tools of Characterization
Character Analysis
Names
At the beginning of the novel, before the reader is told the boys’
names, Golding uses labels as a characterization tool, such as “the
fair boy,” and “the fat boy.” At first, we’re bothered by these labels; it
doesn’t seem right for the boys to be without names. But then we
realize that “the fat boy” is not very different from “Piggy,” and that
even names like “Ralph” and “Jack” are just descriptions (Ralph
means “counsel,” by the way – nifty, isn’t it?). In other words, what
seems “primitive” to us is really just a slightly skewed version of what
we do in “civilized society.” Oh, also, Simon is a name from the Bible
to reflect his spirituality.
Physical Appearance
Golding makes a point of telling us what everyone looks like, even the
minor characters, and the expectation seems to be that we will draw
conclusions from those descriptions. Ralph is attractive (and
therefore a natural leader); Piggy is overweight (therefore an outcast)
and wears glasses (an intellectual); Jack is “tall, thin, and bony […]
ugly without silliness” (possibly an embittered usurper); and Roger is
“a slight, furtive boy” (shifty and lacking depth).
Speech and Dialogue
Colloquialisms
In order to make the characters in Lord of the Flies seem like
believable children (they range in age from six to twelve), Golding
includes phrases that children, particularly British children, would
actually use. We’re talking about things like “you can jolly well go up
the mountain,” “you shut up!” “wacco,” and “sucks to you!” Even
Piggy, the intellectual of the group, makes grammatical errors such
as “them fruit.” We see that even Piggy, despite his brains is really
just a child.
Character Roles (Protagonist, Antagonist...)
Character Analysis
Protagonist
Ralph
We are closest to Ralph’s viewpoint throughout the novel and feel the
most sympathy for his character. We want things to go Ralph’s way,
are we’re relieved for about half a second at the end of the novel
when we think they will. Then we see the “trim cruiser” in the distance
and feel bad again.
Ralph is also a realistic character. Just like everyone else, Ralph has
those moments of guilty, primitive, pig-hunting indulgence, which
reminds us that all men, even protagonists are imperfect.
Antagonist
Jack
Jack, on the other hand, shows us that all men, even antagonists,
can be good guys from time to time. Jack’s “inexplicable connection”
to Ralph makes us think twice about drawing a clear line between
them. Both boys are leaders, both are strong (physically and in
character), and both are looked up to by the other boys. But Jack’s
lust for power, blood, violence, cruelty, and eventually his lust for
Ralph’s death, qualifies him quite well as an antagonist.
Antagonist
The Beast
The beast can also be considered an antagonist. In the literal sense,
you could say the beast is actually just the dead man in the
parachute. Since he’s the product of war, the beast = war, and war is
the antagonist. Or you could say, as Piggy does, that the beast is
everyone’s fear, in which case, fear = the antagonist, which we could
happily believe. Lastly, you could jump in Simon’s boat and say that
the beast = “only us,” i.e., the darker side of human nature. This, you
could say, exonerates Jack from being the antagonist, since it’s not
his fault he’s human and has this darker streak. You could also say
that calling “the beast” the antagonist reinforces Jack as being the
enemy, since the beast equals people – people like Jack.
Guide/Mentor
Simon
Simon takes the guide role most prominently when he tries to get the
other boys to face the beast. ”What else is there to do?” he asks,
which makes us love his character all over again. Unfortunately,
Simon wasn’t so much a successful mentor, and gets killed by his
would-be pupils. You can’t blame him for trying.
Foil
Ralph to Jack
Jack acts as a foil for Ralph in that we see Ralph’s characteristics of
fairness, concern with social order, and concern for the future more
clearly in light of Jack’s violence, savage actions, impulsiveness, and
descent into anarchy. Their similarities are important, too, as they
remind us that both darkness and goodness are a part of every man.
Foil
Jack to Roger
Just when you thought Jack was bad enough, Roger comes along and oneups him. We dislike the things that Jack does, but we can see an innocent
boy in there the whole time. Because of his connection to Ralph, we watch
his descent into primitivity from a starting point we could all relate to.
Roger, on the other hand, is a rotten apple from the start. He shows us that,
while in many cases darkness is part of man’s heart, in some cases that
darkness is in control most of the time.
Companion
Piggy to Ralph
Piggy and Ralph share an interesting relationship. Piggy definitely
takes the sidekick role, looking up to and admiring the chief. It’s
obvious he simply wants to be accepted, wanted, needed, and loved.
The ironic part is that Piggy really is needed, desperately, not only by
Ralph but by all the other boys as well. He’s needed for his glasses,
for his thinking, for his voice of reason. While Ralph hesitates to admit
this to everyone else, he grows closer with Piggy and weeps for him
at the end not as a sidekick, not as a lackey, but as a “true, wise
friend.”