‘The Lottery’ by Shirley Jackson features several key characters that help to convey the story’s themes of tradition and conformity.
Tess Hutchinson is central to the plot. She becomes the focus of the story’s shocking conclusion as she draws the slip with the black dot. Tess represents the individuals who are subjected to the rules of society, and her eventual fate raises questions about blind adherence to tradition.
Old Man Warner is another prominent character, representing the voice of tradition and the status quo. He is the oldest villager and staunchly defends the lottery, emphasizing its importance and the fear of change among the villagers.
The Bill Hutchinson, Tess’s husband, also plays a crucial role, especially as he participates in the lottery’s process, highlighting the helplessness of individuals within societal norms.
Lastly, there are other villagers, like Mrs. Delacroix, who reveal the small-town dynamics and the social relationships that underlie the community’s willingness to participate in the lottery without question.
Each character brings a unique perspective to the unfolding horror of the narrative, contributing to Jackson’s critique of conformity and the often unexamined traditions that govern human behavior.