1984: Character Profiles
Winston Smith
- Winston Smith is the protagonist of the novel '1984'. He is a low-ranking member of the Party in Airstrip One, the most significant province of the superstate Oceania.
- He rebels against the Party by beginning a love affair with Julia and seeking to join the Brotherhood, a supposed anti-Party group.
- Winston is characterised by his introspection and pessimism. He is intelligent and has independent thought, but is also deeply troubled by the society in which he lives.
- His key motivations are his hatred of the Party and his desire for personal and emotional freedom.
Julia
- Julia is Winston's lover and his ally in rebellion against the Party. She works in the Fiction Department at the Ministry of Truth.
- She differs from Winston in that she is more pragmatic and survival-oriented. She gladly breaks the Party's rules, but has no interest in ideological rebellion. Her rebellion is more personal than political.
- Her character is largely defined by her sexual and individual freedom, which she guards vigorously.
O'Brien
- O'Brien is a high-ranking Party member who becomes a source of inspiration for Winston. Winston believes that O'Brien may also be an opponent of the Party.
- O'Brien is highly intelligent and very articulate. He's able to convince Winston that there is resistance against the Party. However, this is ultimately revealed to be a trap.
- His character is critical to the development of the theme of manipulation and control.
Big Brother
- Big Brother is the perceived ruler of Oceania, and the face of the Party. His image is displayed everywhere and utter devotion to him is required.
- He is a crucial figure within the novel, yet the reader never discovers if he is a real person or simply a creation of the Party to instil obedience and fear.
- Big Brother represents the Party's power and authority, and how it manipulates its citizens.
Mr. Charrington
- Mr. Charrington appears to be a kind old man who runs a second-hand store in the prole district. He rents a room to Winston and Julia for their secret meetings.
- Unknown to Winston, Mr. Charrington is a member of the Thought Police.
- His character represents the extent of the Party's surveillance, they’re watching everywhere, even in places where you least expect it.