Ralph: The protagonist and elected leader of the boys. Ralph symbolizes order, civilization, and leadership. He prioritizes rescue efforts and maintaining a signal fire but struggles to maintain authority as the group descends into savagery.

Jack Merridew: The antagonist and leader of the hunters’ group. Jack represents savagery, violence, and a desire for power. Initially frustrated by losing the leadership election to Ralph, he later forms his own tribe, embracing barbarism and using fear and intimidation to control others.

Piggy: The intellectual and rational boy who supports Ralph. Piggy represents logic, reason, and civilization but is often ridiculed for his physical limitations (obesity, asthma, and poor eyesight). His death symbolizes the collapse of reason and civilization on the island.

Simon: A spiritual and compassionate boy who symbolizes innate human goodness. Simon often serves as a moral compass but is misunderstood by others. His death during a frenzied ritual highlights the boys’ descent into savagery.

Roger: Initially quiet and reserved, Roger becomes increasingly cruel and violent under Jack’s influence. He represents unchecked brutality and is responsible for Piggy’s death.

Secondary Characters

Sam and Eric (Samneric): Identical twins who initially support Ralph but are eventually forced to join Jack’s tribe. They symbolize unity and the struggle to maintain individuality under pressure.

The Littluns: The youngest boys on the island who represent innocence and vulnerability. They largely follow others and succumb to fear and chaos.

Maurice: A follower of Jack who participates in his tribe’s savage activities. Maurice represents the masses swept up in mob mentality.

Percival: One of the youngest boys who clings to memories of his life at home but becomes increasingly hysterical. He symbolizes the loss of innocence and the stability of home life.

Minor Characters

The Naval Officer: The adult who rescues the boys at the end of the novel. His presence underscores the contrast between childhood savagery and adult civilization while also ironically reflecting humanity’s broader capacity for violence.