Important Characters In Lord Of The Flies

On the outside, people are often labeled quickly. But truly, there is more to us, within our character. In Lord of the Flies by William Golding, a group of young boys stranded on a deserted island is actually more than we realize. They each represent something. Something more. Something to describe how humans act. Therefore, three significant characters--Piggy, Ralph, and Jack-- symbolize a certain nature. Piggy. We never learned his real name, but we can see a lot of who he is. He seems to symbolize the intellectual part of human nature. In fact, on page 22, it read, “...What intelligence had been shown was traceable to Piggy…” Piggy thought about things, usually on what would be truly beneficial to the group. He thought of cause and effect.

Jack represented savagery. He completely lost his civility, and led others to become like him in regards to his power-hunger. Page 91 stated, “...Jack was shouting against him. ‘Bollocks to the rules! We’re strong--we hunt! If there’s a beast, we’ll hunt it down! We’ll close in and beat and beat and beat--!’” He used his scary savagery to recruit new subjects for him. His force was harsh like on page 178, “No one moved. Jack shouted angrily. ‘I said ‘grab them’!’ The painted group moved round Samneric nervously and unhandily.” By his full command and being wild, people got hurt. Thus mentioning that he was involved in the deaths of Simon and Piggy. His disregard of the rules, now that he could do anything on this island, was awful. Jack represents how humans could possibly become if we lost all order. Truly, we see how the boys’ attitudes and personalities are an allegory to how humans are. In fact, the whole book expresses human nature. Most definitely, we are not perfect, for some of us can become like Jack. You may find this ridiculous but imagine ourselves in a life without order. Who would you become? Would you try to use your head, retain order, or fully lose it? It is amazing how simple characters can reveal a certain truth to