Characters
Equality 7-2521/ Prometheus/The Unconquered
The protagonist of the story, Equality is the one of the few in his society who still retain an opinion and a sense of identity. Taller, stronger and smarter than his brothers, he regarded as a freak for his "curse," or his curiosity and strong defiance. The fear that is dominant in the society shrivels at his intelligence and perception, for he is intellectually superior to the average "citizen." The Councils see him as a threat to the way of their collectivist society, so, as a way to prevent Equality from using his intuition, he is assigned as a street sweeper; a lowly job among men.
International
4-8818
A man whose spirit has not been entirely broken by his society’s values, he displays his independence from collectivism by exhibiting humor and a meaningful friendship with Equality, both of which are forbidden by the rules of socialism. Just like Equality, his defiance of his society was suppressed through primitive tasks.
Union 5-3992
Union is a mentally disabled “citizen;” in other words, the model citizen, for the collectivist society does not wish any of its inhabitants to possess the motivation or mind power to develop resistance. He is also assigned the duty of street sweeper, but for the reason that that is all he is capable of doing; the society is not limiting him, unlike International and
Prometheus.
The protagonist of the story, Equality is the one of the few in his society who still retain an opinion and a sense of identity. Taller, stronger and smarter than his brothers, he regarded as a freak for his "curse," or his curiosity and strong defiance. The fear that is dominant in the society shrivels at his intelligence and perception, for he is intellectually superior to the average "citizen." The Councils see him as a threat to the way of their collectivist society, so, as a way to prevent Equality from using his intuition, he is assigned as a street sweeper; a lowly job among men.
International
4-8818
A man whose spirit has not been entirely broken by his society’s values, he displays his independence from collectivism by exhibiting humor and a meaningful friendship with Equality, both of which are forbidden by the rules of socialism. Just like Equality, his defiance of his society was suppressed through primitive tasks.
Union 5-3992
Union is a mentally disabled “citizen;” in other words, the model citizen, for the collectivist society does not wish any of its inhabitants to possess the motivation or mind power to develop resistance. He is also assigned the duty of street sweeper, but for the reason that that is all he is capable of doing; the society is not limiting him, unlike International and
Prometheus.
Liberty
5-3000/Gaea/The Golden One
A resilient woman of flowing golden hair, Liberty is somewhat like the female counterpart of Equality 7-2521, regarding her desire to be separate from the rest of society. It is forbidden to prefer, for each man and woman shall give their brothers and sisters equal love, and no relationships shall be made. However, Liberty 5-3000's strong will that sets her apart from her sisters leads her to accept the suit of Equality 7-2521.
5-3000/Gaea/The Golden One
A resilient woman of flowing golden hair, Liberty is somewhat like the female counterpart of Equality 7-2521, regarding her desire to be separate from the rest of society. It is forbidden to prefer, for each man and woman shall give their brothers and sisters equal love, and no relationships shall be made. However, Liberty 5-3000's strong will that sets her apart from her sisters leads her to accept the suit of Equality 7-2521.