Character Analysis

Key Character Terms

• Protagonist – The central character in a story.
• Antagonist – The character who opposes or is in conflict with the protagonist.
• Characterisation – The way an author reveals a character's personality through their thoughts, feelings, expressions, and actions.

Main Characters

Ralph (Protagonist)

• Role: Elected leader of the boys; tries to create a democratic and orderly society.
• Personality:
  • Charismatic and inspires others.
  • Practical, productive, and caring for others.
  • Strong sense of right and wrong; thinks before acting.
• Development:
  • Starts as an optimistic leader but becomes overwhelmed by the group's descent into savagery.
  • By the end, his goodness is overpowered by the surrounding evil.
• Symbolism: Order, civilisation, and democracy.

Jack (Antagonist)

• Role: Leader of the choir boys; later becomes a dictator.
• Personality:
  • Arrogant, refuses opposition.
  • Bully, wild, selfish, and cruel.
  • Loves power and enjoys showing off.
• Development:
  • Transforms into a violent and power-hungry leader.
• Symbolism: Savagery and violence.

Piggy

• Role: Outcast, mocked by others; represents intelligence and reason.
• Personality:
  • Smart, knowledgeable, and inventive.
  • Cautious and timid, avoids risks.
• Development:
  • Becomes a victim of the boys' brutality.
  • His death signifies the complete loss of civilisation on the island.
• Symbolism: Civilisation, order, and reason.

Simon

• Role: Helps Ralph, but is misunderstood by others.
• Personality:
  • Kind, wise, and good-hearted.
  • Appreciates nature and has deep insight.
  • Considered strange due to fainting fits.
• Development:
  • Realises the truth about the "beast" but is killed before he can explain it.
• Symbolism: Goodness, wisdom, and how these values are destroyed when people become savage.

Roger

• Role: Jack's right-hand man; an enforcer of cruelty.
• Personality:
  • Violent, enjoys harming others.
  • Secretive and speaks little at first.
• Development:
  • Frightens and bullies others.
  • Murders Piggy without remorse.
• Symbolism: Evil and savagery.

Minor Characters

• Sam and Eric (Samneric) – Twins who struggle under pressure.
  • Symbolism: People who conform under stress.
• The Biguns – Older boys (11-12 years old).
  • Symbolism: Followers who support a leader for power and material benefits.
• The Littluns – Younger boys (5-6 years old).
  • Symbolism: The powerless, ordinary people who suffer.

Character Chart – Ralph (Example)

Characteristic	Evidence
Responsible and caring leader	Organises the search of the island and the signal fire (Ch. 1, 2). Realises they need shelters for safety (Ch. 3). Boosts morale: "Of course we shall be rescued." (Ch. 2)
Fair and democratic	Establishes the conch rule so everyone can speak (Ch. 2). Ensures the signal fire stays alight to attract rescuers (Ch. 5).
Matures over time	Initially sees the island as fun, but realises leadership is hard (Ch. 5). Understands Piggy's wisdom (Ch. 5). By the end, he grieves for lost innocence (Ch. 12).
Shows a violent side	Feels excitement when hunting a boar and wants to hurt Robert (Ch. 7). Participates in the dance that leads to Simon's death (Ch. 9).
Struggles under stress	After Simon's death, he becomes confused and needs Piggy's help to speak clearly (Ch. 10). When hunted, he must think for himself without Piggy's guidance (Ch. 12).