Character Information

This section contains images, descriptions, and links about the characters in Lord of the Flies. Spoilers within.

Character Relationships

Many of the characters in this book are tied to other characters. Use this chart to see in what ways characters are related or interact with each other. Throughout the book, you will be asked to update character relationships on the "character map" Jamboard. Make sure to use the brief synopses here to help you fill in the chart.

Ralph is the athletic, charismatic protagonist of Lord of the Flies. Elected the leader of the boys at the beginning of the novel, Ralph is the primary representative of order, civilization, and productive leadership in the novel. While most of the other boys initially are concerned with playing, having fun, and avoiding work, Ralph sets about building huts and thinking of ways to maximize their chances of being rescued. For this reason, Ralph’s power and influence over the other boys are secure at the beginning of the novel.

The strong-willed, egomaniacal Jack is the novel’s primary representative of the instinct of savagery, violence, and the desire for power—in short, the antithesis of Ralph. From the beginning of the novel, Jack desires power above all other things. He is furious when he loses the election to Ralph and continually pushes the boundaries of his subordinate role in the group.

Whereas Ralph and Jack stand at opposite ends of the spectrum between civilization and savagery, Simon stands on an entirely different plane from all the other boys. Simon embodies a kind of innate, spiritual human goodness that is deeply connected with nature and, in its own way, as primal as Jack’s evil. The other boys abandon moral behavior as soon as civilization is no longer there to impose it upon them, but Simon continues to act morally because he believes in the "right thing".

Piggy is the first boy Ralph encounters on the island after the crash and remains the most true and loyal friend throughout Lord of the Flies. An overweight, intellectual, and talkative boy, Piggy is the brains behind many of Ralph’s successful ideas and innovations, such as using the conch to call meetings and building shelters for the group. Piggy represents the scientific and rational side of humanity, supporting Ralph’s signal fires and helping to problem solve on the island. However, Piggy’s asthma, weight, and poor eyesight make him physically inferior to the others, making him vulnerable.

Introduced as a quiet and intense older boy, Roger eventually becomes a sadistic and brutal terrorist over the course of Lord of the Flies. As Jack gains power, Roger quickly understands that Jack’s brutality and willingness to commit violence will make him a powerful and effective leader.

Sam and Eric are twin older boys on the island who are often referred to as one entity, Samneric, and who throughout most of Lord of the Flies, remain loyal supporters of Ralph. Sam and Eric are easily excited, regularly finish one another’s sentences, and exist within their own small group of two.

Percival is one of the littlest boys on the island. He is innocent and helpless, just wanting to go home. At the beginning, Percival repeats his full name and address, almost as a mantra that roots him to home and security.

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