In the dystopian novel Fahrenheit 451, Ray Bradbury uses dynamic characterization to illustrate Montag, the protagonist, as a misguided hero. In the novel, a misguided hero is a character who has good intentions but unethical actions. Bradbury's use of character development and evolution conveys Montag in a heroic light. Firstly, Bradbury uses Montag's character development from apathetic to curious to illustrate him as a hero. On page 8, Montag describes his job, “It’s fine work.” (Bradbury) showing his indifference to what he does. Montag continues, “Monday burn Milay, Wednesday Whitman, Friday Faulkner, burn ‘em to ashes,” (Bradbury 8) which expresses Montag’s careless regard for books. This displays Montag’s apathy towards not only books, …show more content…
After Mildreds’ attempted overdose, Montag explains, “I don’t know anything anymore” (Bradbury 18). This communicates Montag’s feelings of hopelessness and loss. Furthermore, Montag uses the word “anymore” which is ironic because he never knew anything to begin with. Montag lived an empty, mindless life that he was content with because he didn’t know anything better. “Anymore” is important because he only begins to realize the despair and hopelessness he feels after being exposed to Clarisse, his young neighbor, whose unconventional ideas broadened his perspective of society. This scene exposes Montag’s true feelings of hopelessness because he can’t do anything to help Mildred, showing a recurring internal conflict. This conflict makes Montag sensitive because he feels that his actions are responsible for the downfall of others, furthering his feeling of hopelessness. In comparison, Montag states, “But let me tell you my plan-” (Bradbury 85) when explaining his plan of hiding books in firemen's houses to Faber. This plan supplies Montag with a strong purpose and a sense of direction because he believes his actions will better society. However, this quote also reveals Montag’s misguided depiction. Montag’s plan gives him a familiar feeling of purpose, causing him to become obsessive and irrational. Montag’s would significantly decrease the respect and influence