Animal Farm Character Analysis
OLD MAJOR- Karl Marx NAPOLEON-
a majestic-looking pig, with a wise and Napoleon was a large, rather fierce-
benevolent appearance looking Berkshire boar, the only
Berkshire on the farm
Had a futuristic view for which he was praised In this description, Napoleon is
and respected. described as a strong character. The
A ‘prize Middle White boar’, Major is, the word “large” implies that Napoleon
narrator tells us, well-regarded by the other
is physically imposing. Napoleon is
animals on the farm.
also interpreted as a unique
character. This is because the text
proves it by saying, “...the only
Berkshire on the Farm” therefore
showing that Napoleon was a
distinctive character.
"Comrades…” Napoleon, with the dogs following him, now
mounted on to the raised portion of the floor
where Major had previously stood to deliver
his speech.
a revered old boar who, at the beginning of In this description, Napoleon is shown as a
the novel, gathers the animals together to character who implies his own strength
speak to them about what’s wrong with their (assumption of authority) This is because he
world. He proposes that humanity is their one
true enemy. steps onto the same spot where the ‘elderly’
Old Major, who inspired the rebellion. It also
shows a symbol of power, as it was a ‘raised
platform.’ The last thing was that Napoleon
had “Control over the dogs” This is because
they followed him wherever he went, this also
reinforces his leadership, and represents a
force that he could use to maintain his control
over the animals.
I do not think, comrades, that I shall be with Snowball and Napoleon were by far the most
you for many months longer active in the debates. But it was noticed that
these two were never in agreement
He concedes that his own life has been long Napoleon has more competition that
and laborious. He makes this view clear to hinders collaboration with Snowball, as in
the other animals. the quote “were never in agreement” It may
also show that Napoleon was stubborn, with
an ego-driven approach to get leadership. It
foreshadows the split between Napoleon and
Snowball that would happen soon.
I feel it my duty to pass on to you such
wisdom He was not much of a talker.
Impressive and convincing through his Napoleon’ does not talk much, which adds to
emotional speech his reserved nature. In fact his silence can be
attributed to him being shrewd.
He may have preferred to keep his thoughts
to himself, allowing him to cautiously plan
his next moves, without revealing too much.
Let us face it: our lives are miserable, Napoleon butted the door open with
laborious, and short. their shoulders
Gets the revolution started, advocates for real
change. This is a symbol of strength. He uses
physical assertiveness to prove that
he is a better leader than Snowball. It
also shows that he is not afraid to
show his power to others. It also
foreshadows the brutal force for
others to assert his will.
No animal in England knows the meaning of
happiness or leisure
Napoleon sent for pots of black and
white paint
Old Major gives all the other animals a new
perspective of life
"But is this simply part of the order of nature?
Is it because….. who dwell upon it?
Napoleon sent for a ladder
Why then do we continue….?”
He seems to have claimed a false
brotherhood with the other animals in order to
garner their support for his vision.
"Never mind the milk, comrades!" cried Napoleon, placing himself in front of the
buckets.
-Lack of empathy… self appointed leader-
Napoleon took no interest in Snowball's committees.
Napoleon was better at canvassing support for himself in between times.
“......he lifted his leg, urinated over the plans, and walked out without uttering a word.
Napoleon………..himself responsible for their education……..kept them in such seclusion….”.
Napoleon stood up and, casting a peculiar sidelong look at Snowball, …………nine enormous
dogs wearing brass-studded collars came bounding into the barn ……. straight for
Snowball……
Napoleon had taken away from their mothers and reared privately.
Napoleon read out the orders for the week in a gruff soldierly style
According to Napoleon, what the animals must do was to procure firearms and train
themselves in the use of them.
Comrade Napoleon's cunning.
They kept close to Napoleon.
Napoleon let out deep, menacing growls, and the pigs fell silent and sat down again.
If Comrade Napoleon says it, it must be right
Napoleon announce that the windmill was to be built after all. He did not give any
reason for having changed his mind, but merely warned the animals that this extra
task would mean very hard work; it might even be necessary to reduce their rations.
Napoleon had never in reality been opposed to the windmill.
a reputation for getting his own way.
