Aridam Kumar OBrien as a Villain in 1984 Dec.

3, 2012
The average fiction novel or story seems incomplete to most readers without a
problem, and a villain that can be blamed for the problem. Actions of such a character
enhance the plot by generating sympathy for the protagonist, and by adding suspense
to the story. In George Orwells 1984, OBrien is depicted as a villain and is established
as a dynamic character through small revelations as the plot unfolds. Orwell
strengthens the effect of OBriens presence by introducing him as a trustable individual
and as the only apparent sign of opposition within the party. Nevertheless, the author
keeps OBriens activity mysterious in order to maintain the suspenseful aura of the plot.
Winston, the protagonist, presents many pieces of information that generate a hatred for
the party and help appreciate any sign of opposition, hence producing a compassionate
feeling for OBrien. After acting as a mysterious yet trustable human, OBrien develops
into a villain, and this development enhances the plot through the startling discovery of
OBriens true motives.

To enhance the plot, Orwell presents many pieces of information against the
party through revealing Winstons feelings and lifestyle. Citizens of Oceania are not
allowed to take any action that the party does not approve of, and they are led to
believe that the party is the only power that is planning a bright future for mankind. The
slogans of the party are then introduced: War is Peace; Freedom is Slavery; Ignorance
is Strength. These slogans appeal to the general instincts of todays individual as they
present opposition to the illusion of basic rights and freedoms that contemporary society
appears to hold. This feeling inevitably creates hatred for the party, and anything
related to the party or its power is despised. Furthermore, any emerging idea in the
Aridam Kumar OBrien as a Villain in 1984 Dec. 3, 2012
novel that carries a hint of opposition is much appreciated. With the realization of
Winstons helpless state, sympathy develops for all of those who are suppressed by the
society depicted in 1984. In this way, Orwell introduces OBrien as a trustable individual
that appears to carry hope of overthrowing the party.

The party represents villainy on a large scale, and OBrien originally appears to
be the only sign of hope within it. The author generates confidence in OBrien, while
leaving him mysterious and incomplete as a character throughout the first half of the
novel. Winston frequently mentions the emotions he has for OBrien in terms of trust
and a sign of hope that the party can be overthrown. He also indicates, however, that
such emotions are based on the assumption that OBrien has rebellious intentions and
may even be a member of the Brotherhood. The idea of a Brotherhood, furthermore,
emphasizes Winstons feelings and forms suspense in the earlier stages of the plot.
The secrecy of the ongoings within the party, as well as the difficulty in identifying true
members as compared to rebelious individuals that may be a link to the Brotherhood
altogether represent the theme. In turn, this increases the effect of the sudden
revelation of OBriens true intentions.

OBriens true intentions are kept well hidden until the third part of the novel.
Winstons recount of the dream in which OBrien says, We shall meet again in a place
with no darkness; creates an everlasting hope that OBrien may be the one that will
help Winston. Upon Winstons capture and imprisonment, astonishingly, OBrien
reveals that he is also a member of the party. He explains the goals of the party and
Aridam Kumar OBrien as a Villain in 1984 Dec. 3, 2012
their motives for seeking power. He is also able to emphatically relay the theme of 1984
because everything he says against Winston is not expected and severely coercive.
OBrien originally assumes the role of a friend, and Orwell ensured that he is portrayed
as a trusted rebellious party member. The sudden change in OBriens status adds a
touch of panic and surprise to the situation, and keeps a hint of hope that perhaps
OBrien is still actually acting as a party member and will eventually help Winston. The
way Winston gradually understands what the party is trying to make of him allows the
plot to be summarized with a strong distinction of the impact of a totalitarian
government.

The effects of a totalitarian government in 1984 seem to have been detailed
primarily through the unfolding of OBrians villanous personality. His intial state of
secrecy, and the trust that Orwell puts in him seem to enhance the effect of the plot.
The gradual revelation of facts helps to maintain a feeling of suspense in the story. The
description of the party, as provided by Winstons thoughts, depicts the party as a
gravely disliked institution. Any hint of opposition to the party is immediately welcomed
in the story, and allows for the original appearance of OBrien as a friend. Every story
seems incomplete without a problem or conflict, and George Orwell has successfully
integrated OBrien and the party as a problematic group in 1984. At the end of the
novel, the sudden revelation of OBriens true intentions adds a startling and magnificent
finish to the plot, with great emphasis on the theme of totalitarian government.