A Comprehensive Analysis of Literary Protagonists - Sykalo Evgen 2023

O'Brien - “Nineteen Eighty-Four” by George Orwell

O'Brien's Complicated Persona in George Orwell's "Nineteen Eighty-Four"

The dystopian classic "Nineteen Eighty-Four" by George Orwell examines the fallout from unbridled state authority and the distortion of reality. O'Brien stands out as a complicated and mysterious figure in this harsh society. O'Brien's role, upbringing, personality, connections, actions, conflicts, and progress are all closely examined throughout the book, demonstrating his importance in forming the themes and lessons of the story.

Determining the Character Type: Static or Dynamic?
O'Brien's character is dynamic and changes significantly as the story goes on. O'Brien is first portrayed as Winston Smith's ally, but his role and personality drastically change, upending readers' preconceptions and expectations.

Evaluating the Story Role of the Character
O'Brien has a variety of roles throughout the story. He initially comes across to Winston as a confidant and mentor who questions the Party's worldview. But as the narrative progresses, it becomes evident what O'Brien's true allegiance is—he is the personification of the Party's brutality and deceit. As the main enemy that Winston fights against, O'Brien represents the tyrannical power.

Looking Into the Past of the Character
O'Brien's background is shrouded in mystery, as nothing is known about it. His status as a high-ranking Inner Party member suggests that he had a privileged upbringing and a thorough awareness of the inner workings of the Party. But Orwell purposefully keeps a lot of O'Brien's past unclear in order to add to the character's mystique.

Evaluating the Personality Traits of the Character
O'Brien is a combination of cunning, charisma, and brutality. His early conversations with Winston exude a spirit of revolt against the harsh policies of the Party. But as the narrative goes on, O'Brien's actual nature becomes clear, exposing a cold, cunning man who employs devious thinking to uphold the Party's authority.

Scorecarding the Character Connections
Understanding O'Brien's character requires an understanding of his relationships. At first, it seems like he has a true relationship with Winston, which inspires hope for revolt. On the other hand, O'Brien's treachery emphasizes the general subject of betrayal throughout Party culture. His friendship with Winston's lover, Julia, serves as more evidence of the Party's meddling in private matters, supporting the story's examination of how totalitarianism affects interpersonal relationships.

Examining the Behavior of the Character
O'Brien's behavior acts as a microcosm of the power and manipulation exercised by the Party. O'Brien's actions, which ranged from his ostensibly rebellious act of giving Winston a forbidden book to his eventual involvement in Winston's torture, perfectly capture the Party's deceit. His part in Winston's reeducation serves as a demonstration of the Party's capacity to crush the will of the people and impose total subservience.

Determining the Conflicts the Character Faces
O'Brien's apparent disapproval of the Party's philosophy is causing him to experience internal problems. But these disputes turn out to be a front, highlighting the Party's capacity to control even its most senior officials. From the outside, O'Brien symbolizes the struggle between individualism and government authority, representing the Party's will to eliminate any opposition.

Evaluating Character Development or Change
From appearing to be a dissenter, O'Brien changes into a devoted defender of the Party's ideology. The pivotal moment comes when O'Brien fractures Winston's spirit during his torment and makes him surrender to the Party's desire. O'Brien's metamorphosis serves as an example of the Party's sneaky ability to corrupt even people who first oppose it.

Providing Evidence to Support the Analysis
Significant evidence of O'Brien's dynamic personality can be seen in direct quotes and textual sequences. For example, his early provocation of revolt ("We shall meet in the place where there is no darkness") contrasts sharply with his subsequent involvement in Winston's torture. The book itself is a valuable resource for comprehending O'Brien's intricacy.

Calculating Inferences Regarding the Significance of the Character
O'Brien is a pivotal figure whose development captures the main ideas of the book. His betrayal dashes any hopes for insurrection that were raised by his early vagueness and seeming dissent. The reason O'Brien is significant is that he represents the Party's subtle influence and shows how easily people who are initially opposed to power can be corrupted.

In summary, O'Brien's "Nineteen Eighty-Four" persona might be seen as a miniature representation of the book's examination of authority, control, and the pliable nature of truth. His complicated relationships, dynamic personality, and crucial position in the story all add to the novel's lasting impact and leave readers with a somber reflection on the implications of unbridled control.