Roger in Lord of the flies

• Roger


  • Black-haired with a fringe that covers his forehead and makes him look sinister
  • Has an extremely cruel and sadistic streak in his nature
  • Attracted to Jack's way of doing things
  • Uncommunicative, moody and secretive loner
  • Prefers to use power as a weapon of evil
• Although all the boys are involved in Simon's death, it is Roger alone who murders Piggy
• Watchful


  Roger is often to be found watching events or listening to the discussions in the assembly silently and without comment, as though he is biding his time and waiting to strike
• Menacing


  Roger wants power so that he can hurt others. Early in the novel he throws stones at Henry and he is a natural part of the hunting group. By the end of the novel he has committed murder and become Jack's henchman
• Evidence of Roger's behaviour


  • Roger remained, watching the littluns. He was not noticeably darker than when he had dropped in, but the shock of black hair, down his nape and low on his forehead, seemed to suit his gloomy face...
  • Roger edged past the chief, only just avoiding pushing him with his shoulder. The yelling ceased, and Samneric lay looking up in quiet terror. Roger advanced upon them as one wielding a nameless authority.
• “Roger’s arm Was conditioned by a civilisation that knew nothing of him and was in ruins“


  Roger had learned the morality of society and awareness of civility
• “Roger sharpened a stick at both ends”


  Premeditated; intent on causing harm
• “Roger advanced upon them as one wielding a nameless authority“


  Power bestowed by self-interest and indulgence