Randle Mcmurphy Character Analysis

The protagonist, Randle P McMurphy is a fiery, anti-authoritarian who was full of sarcasm and a mean left hook. Randle was physically described as red headed, with tattoos and physically fit. McMurphy was introduced into the story at admissions. He had been recently accused of statutory rape, although McMurphy claims that he the victim lied about her age and wanted him significantly. McMurphy’s strength exudes from him, possibly because he was a war hero shorty prior to his discharge from the Marine Corps due to insubordination. McMurphy can be highly manipulative, one example of his manipulative mannerisms was how McMurphy got to the institution. Due to rape charges, McMurphy was sent to a prison work camp, where he faked a mental illness

When Randle initially arrived he immediately attempted to break the strong hold Nurse Ratched had over the men. He sought ways to defy her, sexualize her and get the men to question her. This infuriated the Nurse. Once Randle realized that he can stay as long as the facility deemed necessary based on his behavior, he began to behave somewhat. Cheswick, another patient died in the pool with a presumed suicide. Cheswick finally stood up to Nurse Ratched, expecting Randle to support him. Randle did not stand up with Cheswick, due to trying to behave. The assumption is this is why Cheswick committed suicide, after which Randle when back to his hell raising methods. As Randle bonded with the men he found ways to connect with them, yet defy Nurse Ratched. The methods were unorthodox,however his chaotic methods caused the patients to show improvement. One instance, was creating a basketball game for all of the wards to play. The Doctor over the unit agreed that McMurphy was helping the patients, “A number of players, Miss Ratched, have shown marked progress since that basketball team was organized.” (Kesey 206) Although McMurphy is a bruiser so to speak, he had significant empathy for the