Fahrenheit 451 - Characters

Study Notes

Guy Montag

Protagonist undergoing a significant transformation throughout the novel.
Starts as a fireman who burns books, but evolves into a protector of knowledge.
His journey marks a shift from a mindless existence to a quest for truth and understanding.

Mildred (Millie)

Montag's wife, characterized by her robotic behavior and obsession with television.
Emotionally detached; struggles with feelings of love and guilt.
Attempts suicide, reflecting her deep disconnection from reality and inner turmoil.

Captain Beatty

Montag's fire captain, who is well-read yet chooses to uphold a system that destroys literature.
Represents the conflict between knowledge and authoritarian control.
His actions are driven by a sense of betrayal he feels from the literature he once admired.

Clarisse McClellan

Montag's intriguing neighbor who embodies curiosity and independent thinking.
Encourages Montag to question societal norms and seek knowledge.
Her impact is crucial in prompting Montag’s desire to read and explore new ideas.

Faber

Elderly retired professor, serving as a mentor to Montag.
Aids Montag in his escape and imparts wisdom about the importance of books.
Symbolizes the enduring value of learning, connected to the legacy of traditional education.

Mechanical Hound

A robotic creature used by the government to enforce its laws and silence dissent.
Represents the oppressive nature of a totalitarian regime.
Its relentless tracking of Montag illustrates the dangers of technology in the hands of authority.

Stoneman & Black

Minor characters, fellow firemen representing societal desensitization.
Their names signify lifelessness and reflect the darker aspects of a conformist society.
Their brief appearances highlight the monotony of their existence and the violent implications of their jobs.

Mrs. Phelps & Mrs. Bowles

Friends of Mildred, both exhibiting emotional numbness in a heavily regulated society.
Reveal underlying emotions when affected by Montag's poetry reading.
Their superficial friendship signifies the lack of genuine connection amongst individuals.

Granger

Leader of the resistance movement that Montag joins near the story's conclusion.
Possesses profound knowledge of literature and history, embodying the fight for intellectual freedom.
Aims to preserve classical knowledge, advocating for a future where literature can thrive again.

Description

Explore the key characters in Ray Bradbury's novel 'Fahrenheit 451' through this engaging flashcard quiz. Learn about protagonist Guy Montag and other significant figures as you delve into their roles and transformations within the story. Perfect for fans and students of literature.