Character: Roger

In the beginning, Roger is introduced as a quiet and furtive boy who keeps to himself. However, his true nature gradually unveils as the book progresses.
An important transformation Roger undergoes is from just being hinted as being dangerous to openly displaying his violent and sadistic tendencies.
Roger’s initial act of throwing stones at the littluns embodies Golding’s view on innate human evil. Initially, years of civilisation prevent Roger from hitting the children, illustrating that rules of society act as a restraint on human impulses.
He finds pleasure in causing harm and exercise control over others. His torture of the twin brothers, Sam and Eric, and his killing of the sow reflect his sadistic nature.
Roger’s savage brutality comes to full display when he kills Piggy, pushing a boulder that sends him falling to his death. This act symbolically represents the final removal of all aspects of civilisation and the complete dominance of savagery.
Roger is portrayed as increasingly wild and bloodthirsty, contrasting starkly with Ralph’s desperate clinging onto civilised values and behaviours.
The character of Roger symbolises anarchy, contrasting sharply with characters like Ralph and Piggy who symbolise order and civilisation respectively.
He quickly adapts to the lack of adult supervision on the island, seizing it as an opportunity to explore his darker tendencies. This showcases Golding’s belief that savagery lies beneath the veneer of civilised behaviour.
Roger becomes Jack’s right hand man, enforcing his authoritarian rule, unlike Ralph who insists on democratic governance. This highlights his acceptance of totalitarian rule when it satisfies his lust for power.
At the end of the novel, Roger fully embraces his cruelty and savagery, showing no hint of remorse or humanity. This depicts the total downfall of civilised behaviour in the absence of rules and authority.
Through the actions and transformation of Roger, Golding highlights his pessimistic belief in the inherent evil in all humans, which can surface in the absence of societal boundaries and rules.