Characters are used in literature as symbols to represent the different "faces" of humanity. In both fictional and real societies, everyone has an orderly side and an instinctive thirst for power. Together, these two traits make us human, but the imbalance of these traits in some people can alter our being. These traits are necessary for our survival, but too much can create toxic environments. In the novel Lord of the Flies, William Golding uses symbols to tell the reader more about human traits and provides a platform that shows the interactions between people with different balances of traits; Golding then shows the possible outcome of the conflict created by these traits. Three main characters that stand out and represent humans' civility and lust for power are Piggy, Jack, and Ralph. Each can be seen as a symbol of the different behaviors and character traits that humans exhibit, as well as the different blends of civility and instinct. The characters symbolize different character traits, instinctive power and calming civil nature, as well as how different balances can affect a person's actions, behaviors and interactions with others. The first main character and by far the most daring is Jack. It represents humanity's imbalance with instinctive nature. Jack enters the story as the leader of a group of choristers. Golding uses Jack to show man's constant battle to be the best and control all the power. When all the boys meet Ralph and Piggy, the first thing the boys do is vote for a leader. Once the vote was counted and Ralph was declared leader: “The circle of boys applauded. Even the choir applauds; and the freckles on Jack's face disappeared beneath a blush of mortification. » (23 Golding). Jack shows jealousy in the middle of a piece of paper......then Ralph seems to change after that to try to compensate for an error in judgment. William Golding uses symbols to tell his readers about human nature through their interactions, conversations and actions. Each character was designed to show a different side of the face of humanity. Every imbalance in human nature can be toxic, but it is up to the individual to decide for or against change. Although it is just a story, it describes much of today's society. Leaders are corrupt or too distant to know what our lives are like and lead them properly. A leader who is in the same situation as Ralph has great potential to become a great leader. From age to age, the symbols found in literary works tell us more about who we are and answer some of the assumptions of life. Works Cited Golding, William. Lord of the Flies. New York; Penguin Group, 2006. Print.