Character Analysis - Jack in Lord of the Flies

            Jack, one of the main characters in "Lord of the Flies," by William Golding is an excellent example of a dynamic character. Most of the British boys stranded on the island transition from a civilized to a savage personality. Jack is included in the boys that transition to violence. Jack is introduced in the book as the head of a choir group. This makes him seem like a calm guy. He is presented in a way that shows he is a ruthless leader. Jack is a nominee against Ralph, who is another main character in the book, to be chief on the island. Jack says, "[I] ought be chief" (22). This quote shows the need for leadership he has in an arrogant way. Jack still has yet to transition into a savage, so he is accepting when Ralph is elected leader. Jack shows signs of obedience during this point. He listens to Ralph when he makes the rule about listening to the conch. .
             When the idea of hunting enters the book Jack begins the transition into a savage. Jack fails in killing the first pig he encounters because "the enormity of [a] knife descending into and cutting into live flesh" (31) is troubling and disturbing to him. This proves Jack's innocence. Jack still maintains his good personality, but this also motivates him for later hunting. In chapter four, Jack's sinister trait is brought out. Jack decides to make a mask for himself." He made one cheek and one eye- socket white, then he [rubs] red over the other half of his face and slashed a black bar of charcoal across from right ear to left jaw" (63). The trigger for Jack to become a savage and kill with fulfillment is the mask. .
             From the point Jack makes the mask he becomes an addict to killing and hunting pigs. He makes it notable when bragging about killing and says comments like "you should [see] it, there [is] lashing of blood" (69). As the book progresses Jack's transition to savage progresses. Jack begins to have leadership issues with Ralph.