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A character Analysis of Steven Rojack. In almost every genre of literature,
there is the classic antagonist, and the classic protagonist. ...
Submitted by erum on May 1, 2007
Category: English
Words: 1556 | Pages: 7
Views: 179
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In almost every genre of literature, there is the classic antagonist, and the classic protagonist. When examining these characters, there are certain guidelines which authors follow. However, there are times in literature when the classic guidelines are broken, and a new prototype emerges. Contemporary writer Norman Mailer broke the mold of the classic character(s) when writing the novel An American Dream. In An American Dream, there is no set protagonist or antagonist. In fact, Mailer has taken these two separate identities and merged them into one character. The product is the main character of the novel, Steven Rojack. Throughout the novel, the readers are not sure whether they want him to succeed or fail. This is due to Rojack's ever-changing personality. At first, he seems like the perfect man: a decorated war hero who knows all the right people. However, shortly after this impression is made, another is formed. He murders his wife in cold blood and lies to the police, claiming she committed suicide. At first, this act frees Rojack from an evil and an exterior antagonist, both being Deborah. However, without this exterior antagonist, he is instead left to struggle with his inner self, and he slowly emerges into his own antagonist. As the novel continues, however, Rojack realizes the horror of his crime and even confesses what he has done to a woman he confides in. Due to the realization of his crime, he is redeemed in the eye of the reader. From this point on, the reader wants Rojack to succeed. However, before final judgment can be passed, it is imperative that Rojack's entire character be explored, including the transitions he made from an ordinary character into being both the novel’s antagonist and protagonist.
Being portrayed in the novel as an ordinary flat character, Rojack is first introduced as a prominent man in society who becomes recognized due to his decoration in military service. Through this service he becomes close with many famous...
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