Character analysis helps readers understand not only who the characters are, but also what they represent in a story. In 1984 by George Orwell, the characters are more than just individuals — they are symbols of power, resistance, betrayal, and control. Studying the themes explored in 1984 alongside its characters reveals Orwell’s warnings about authoritarianism and the fragility of human freedom.
Main Characters in 1984 Book — Detailed Analysis
1. Winston Smith
- Traits: Thoughtful, rebellious, cautious, yet ultimately vulnerable.
- Role in the Story: Protagonist and the lens through which readers see the oppressive world of Oceania.
- Symbolism: Represents the ordinary individual who seeks truth and freedom in a world built on lies.
- Character Development:
At the beginning, the character of Winston Smith in 1984 is quietly rebellious — writing in a secret diary, questioning the Party’s version of history, and yearning for personal freedom. His affair with Julia deepens his defiance. However, after being captured and tortured in the Ministry of Love, Winston is broken physically and mentally, ending with his acceptance of Big Brother’s authority. For more on his journey, see the complete plot summary of 1984.
2. Julia
- Traits: Independent, practical, pleasure-seeking, and emotionally strong.
- Role in the Story: Winston’s lover and co-rebel against the Party’s control.
- Symbolism: The 1984 Julia character symbolizes personal rebellion — seeking joy and individuality even under constant surveillance.
- Character Development:
Julia begins as a secretive, risk-taking Party member who hides her defiance behind an obedient facade. She and Winston share a passionate relationship, but after arrest, she betrays him under torture, just as he betrays her. In the end, their bond is completely destroyed. Her role complements the key symbols found in 1984.
3. O’Brien
- Traits: Intelligent, manipulative, authoritative, and deeply loyal to the Party.
- Role in the Story: Serves as both mentor and tormentor to Winston.
- Symbolism: Represents the intellectual enforcer of totalitarianism — someone who understands the truth but works to uphold lies.
- Character Development:
Initially appearing as a possible ally, O’Brien wins Winston’s trust. In reality, he is a high-ranking Party member whose purpose is to entrap, torture, and re-educate rebels until they accept Party doctrine completely. His chilling dialogues are among the most famous quotes from 1984.
4. Big Brother
- Traits: Omnipresent, feared, and revered.
- Role in the Story: The symbolic leader of the Party, although his existence may be fictional.
- Symbolism: Embodies absolute surveillance, authority, and ideological control.
- Character Development:
Big Brother’s image never changes — he exists as a constant reminder of the Party’s power, becoming stronger as other characters are weakened.
5. Mr. Charrington
- Traits: Polite, elderly, and seemingly harmless.
- Role in the Story: Shopkeeper who rents Winston and Julia a room, later revealed as a member of the Thought Police.
- Symbolism: Represents deceptive appearances and the inescapable reach of the Party.
- Character Development:
At first, he appears to be an ally and a keeper of old-world relics. His sudden betrayal proves that no one can be trusted in Oceania.
6. Syme
- Traits: Intelligent, loyal to the Party’s goals, yet too outspoken.
- Role in the Story: Works on the Newspeak dictionary project.
- Symbolism: Represents the dangers of intellectual curiosity in a repressive regime.
- Character Development:
Syme is “vaporized” for being too smart and too aware, illustrating that even loyal citizens can be eliminated.
7. Parsons
- Traits: Cheerful, unquestioning, and blindly loyal to the Party.
- Role in the Story: Winston’s neighbor and co-worker.
- Symbolism: Embodies perfect ideological conformity.
- Character Development:
Even after his own daughter turns him in for “thoughtcrime,” Parsons remains loyal, proudly declaring his guilt.
Character Comparison in 1984
| Character | Represents | Fate in the Story |
|---|---|---|
| Winston Smith | Individual resistance | Mentally broken by the Party |
| Julia | Personal freedom & defiance | Betrays Winston under torture |
| O’Brien | Party manipulation | Continues as enforcer |
| Big Brother | Absolute control | Remains untouchable |
| Mr. Charrington | Deception | Traps Winston & Julia |
| Syme | Intellectual danger | Vaporized |
| Parsons | Blind loyalty | Imprisoned but loyal |
FAQs About Characters in 1984
Q1: Who are the main characters in 1984 book?
The main characters include Winston Smith, Julia, O’Brien, Big Brother, Mr. Charrington, Syme, and Parsons.
Q2: What is the character of Winston Smith in 1984 like?
Winston is a quiet rebel who values truth and individuality but is ultimately broken by the Party’s psychological and physical control.
Q3: Who is Julia in 1984?
Julia is Winston’s lover who represents personal rebellion and desire for freedom, but she too is defeated by the Party’s power.
Q4: Does Big Brother really exist in 1984?
The novel never confirms Big Brother’s existence; he may be a symbolic figure created to embody the Party’s control.
