Open Prompt 3

1994. In some works of literature, a character who appears briefly, or does not appear at all, is a significant presence. Choose a novel or play of literary merit and write an essay in which you show how such a character functions in the work. You may wish to discuss how the character affects action, theme, or the development of other characters. Avoid plot summary.

In "1984", written by George Orwell, everyone is constantly watched by Big Brother, although no one has ever seen him. He is on posters, stamped on their coins and even on large telescreens, all with the message of "Big Brother is Watching You". Although in the book you are not even sure if Big Brother is real, he still plays an important role. Big Brother affects the action of the characters, the theme of the book, and how characters develop.

Big Brother is everywhere and the characters of the play know that. Winston his whole life has followed the rules of the Party, but has always harbored hate for everything that they stand for. His affair with Julia is an act of rebellion for both of them, but for different reasons. Julia does it for self satisfaction, while Winston rebels because he has a fundamental ideological problem with the party and he sees this as a way to rebel. Winston also does little things to rebel, regardless of whether he will be caught or not. Deep down Winston feels that regardless of what he does Big Brother will eventually catch him through the thought police. By thinking this, Winston makes little rebellions that increase his risk of being caught, like when he wrote "Down With Big Brother" in his journal that he had bought. Big Brother acts as a God like figure, in that he everywhere and supposedly know what you are doing.

A clear theme that  Big Brother influences is that you can not trust large governments that control everything. There are large telescreens in everyone's houses that spew propaganda about the party. The propaganda tells people false information, making the party's failures look like huge successes. Another theme that is in this book is that the government will use the technology for evil. Big Brother and the party have hidden microphones all over the cities and use the telescreens to promote the Party and brainwash everyone in Oceania. 

How characters develop are also largely affected by Big Brother. Big Brother is the face of the Party and represents what the party stands for. After Winston is caught by the party for his affair with Julia, the party brainwashes him to be a loyal party member. After, Winston comes to love and embrace Big Brother. Big Brother affects all the characters, not just Winston. They all face the same scrutiny of Big Brother.

Big Brother may not actually be real, but has a significant affect in "1984". Big Brother affects the actions of the characters, how they develop, and influences the themes of the novel.