Ralph is the main protagonist of the novel; he is the first character that Golding establishes, emphasizing his importance. He is described as, "the fair boy," in chapter one, which alerts the reader to the concept that he is being used as a representation of a flawless individual. The only other character in the story with physical strength close to Ralph's is Jack, which is appropriate because the two of them represent two competing philosophies of life on the island (as well as the conflict between good and evil). Ralph is used to represent the ideal, good natured human being, however he is not so out-of-touch that he can't relate to ordinary human temptations (unlike Simon who, with his almost saint-like demeanor, is set apart from the other boys). Moreover he is elected to be chief because the other boys see him not only as the most charismatic...