Harrison Bergeron Character

Why is it that in literature the main character always seems different when compared to all of the other characters? In many pieces of literature the protagonist has a certain character trait that sets them apart from the rest of their world. When the author does this, the story seems more interesting and the reader will keep reading to learn about how the main character will overcome their struggles. In the short stories, “Disguises” by Jean Fong Kwok, “Harrison Bergeron” by Kurt Vonnegut, and “The Scarlet Ibis” by James Hurst, the authors all share the common use of making their main characters outsiders. In “Disguises”, the family of immigrants can hardly speak any English in an American society. In “Harrison Bergeron”, the main character is set apart by his exceeding intelligence, strength, and looks. One of the main characters struggles with everyday exercises such as walking in “The Scarlet Ibis”. When the author wants to make a story that

In this society everyone is average. Nobody is allowed to have any special abilities or talents. When Harrison Bergeron does not have his handicaps on he is considered as an unpleasant and destructive creature. The person announcing the news states, “He is a genius and athletic, . . . , and should be regarded as extremely dangerous” (103). Because the main character, Harrison Bergeron, is not exactly like everyone else, he is viewed as an outcast. When everyone is viewed as equals in all ways and there is one person who actually is living up to their full potential, the reader will want to continue reading to see how this person will affect society. Because Harrison Bergeron is living without handicaps in a society where they are normally required, the other people living at this time view Harrison as an odd