Ray Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451 is the epitome of censorship in America. Guy Montag, the protagonist, is a fireman whose sole job is to burn books and the homes of people who harbor them. Montag's life is unfulfilled and dictated by ignorance until he meets Clarisse McClellan, whose character is a catalyst. Clarisse's ability to see the beauty of life around her awakens a sense of curiosity in Montag as well his ability for intellectual thought. It is through Clarisse that Montag begins to understand that books represent awareness and knowledge.
The introduction of Professor Faber is also significant in that his character is well educated and ultimately believes that burning books leaves people less enlightened. The professor has memorized literary works in the hopes that one day he will be called upon to recite them so that they may be re-written. .
Captain Beatty is another essential character. While Beatty's character vehemently detests books and those who read them, paradoxically, he is well educated and often includes literary references in each of his conversations with Montag. .
While the supporting characters such as Millie, Mrs. Phelps and Mrs. Bowels add dimension with their respective story lines, the exclusion of any of these characters would not detract from the story's overall theme. These characters do not have the influence over the protagonist that Clarisse, Professor Faber and Captain Beatty have throughout the story.
