Protagonist

Ralph

We are closest to Ralph’s viewpoint throughout the novel and feel the most sympathy for his character. We want things to go Ralph’s way, are we’re relieved for about half a second at the end of the novel when we think they will. Then we see the “trim cruiser” in the distance and feel bad again.

Ralph is also a realistic character. Just like everyone else, Ralph has those moments of guilty, primitive, pig-hunting indulgence, which reminds us that all men, even protagonists are imperfect.