The elected chief of the boys. He represents democracy, order, and leadership. He tries to keep the group focused on building shelters and maintaining a signal fire to ensure rescue. 12 years old.

The leader of the choir-turned-hunters. He acts as the main antagonist and represents anarchy, savagery, and the desire for power. He uses fear to control the others. 12 years old.

Ralph’s fiercely loyal, intellectual, and asthmatic advisor. He represents scientific reasoning and rationality. His specs (glasses) are used to light the group's fire. 11 years old.

A quiet, spiritual boy who suffers from epilepsy. He represents innate human goodness and acts as a Christ-like figure. He is the only character to realize that the "beast" is inside the boys themselves. 11 years old.

Jack’s cruel, sadistic second-in-command. He represents pure brutality and lawlessness. He takes absolute pleasure in inflicting pain and violence. 11 years old.

A large boy who is second-in-command to Jack within the choir group. He represents the average follower who abandons morality when social boundaries disappear. At first, he feels guilty for kicking sand into a littlun's eyes, but he quickly loses his conscience and enthusiastically participates in Jack's violent, savage raids. 11 years old.

One half of the identical twins. He is dependable and loyal, working hard with Ralph to build shelters and keep the signal fire lit. While he shares a single identity with his brother, his individual actions show a desperate struggle to maintain civilized manners in the face of terror. 10 years old.

The other half of the twins. He is vulnerable and easily frightened, often being the first of the duo to openly voice his dread of the island's monsters. His physical injuries from the tribal fights highlight the brutal reality of the boys' descent into savagery. 10 years old.