"The Conformist" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

In "The Conformist," Marcello Clerici is the protagonist who embarks on a journey of self-discovery and conformity. He is torn between his desire to fit into society and his internal struggle for individuality. The other characters in the book play significant roles in shaping Marcello's decisions and actions.

Character Descriptions

Marcello Clerici

Marcello Clerici is a complex and introspective character. He is a middle-class Italian who works as a government official during the fascist regime. Marcello is described as physically average, with a clean-cut appearance that reflects his desire to conform to societal norms. He is reserved, cautious, and constantly seeking validation from others.

Giulia

Giulia is Marcello's wife and represents the image of a traditional, conventional woman. She is beautiful, loyal, and obedient to societal expectations. Giulia's character serves as a contrasting force to Marcello's internal conflicts, as she easily conforms to the roles assigned to her by society.

Lino

Lino is Marcello's childhood friend and a symbol of rebellion and non-conformity. Unlike Marcello, Lino openly opposes the fascist regime and lives a life outside the established norms. Lino's character serves as a catalyst for Marcello's internal struggle between conforming to society and embracing his true desires.

Manganiello

Manganiello is a fascist agent who recruits Marcello to spy on his former professor, Quadri. Manganiello represents the oppressive regime and embodies the conformity that Marcello is torn between. His character adds tension and conflict to Marcello's journey.

Character Traits

Marcello Clerici

• Conformist: Marcello's primary trait is his strong desire to conform to societal expectations. He constantly seeks validation and approval from others.
• Reserved: Marcello is introverted and keeps his true thoughts and emotions hidden from others, often remaining silent in discussions.
• Self-doubting: Marcello frequently questions his own actions and decisions, reflecting his internal conflict between conformity and individuality.

Giulia

• Obedient: Giulia follows societal norms and expectations without question, embodying the role of a traditional wife.
• Supportive: Giulia is loyal to Marcello and supports him in his endeavors, including his decision to spy on Quadri.

Lino

• Non-conformist: Lino rebels against societal norms and openly opposes the fascist regime, embracing his own individuality.
• Free-spirited: Lino lives a life free from the constraints of societal expectations and encourages Marcello to do the same.

Manganiello

• Authoritarian: Manganiello represents the oppressive regime and enforces conformity through his role as a fascist agent.
• Manipulative: Manganiello uses his power and influence to coerce Marcello into spying on Quadri, exploiting his vulnerabilities and desire for acceptance.

Character Background

Marcello Clerici grew up in a middle-class Italian family and was deeply affected by the oppressive political climate of the fascist regime. His childhood experiences, including witnessing his father's imprisonment, shaped his desire to conform and avoid any potential repercussions. Marcello's education further reinforced his inclination towards conformity, as he was taught to suppress his individuality and embrace the ideals of the fascist regime.

Giulia, on the other hand, grew up in a traditional household, where she was taught to prioritize conformity and obedience. Her background mirrors the societal expectations placed upon women during that time, further reinforcing Marcello's struggle to conform.

Lino's background is not explicitly detailed in the book, but his rebellious nature suggests that he may have experienced personal hardships or witnessed the injustices of the regime, leading him to reject conformity.

Manganiello's background as a fascist agent aligns with the oppressive political climate of the time. His allegiance to the regime and his role in recruiting Marcello indicate his commitment to maintaining conformity and suppressing individuality.

Character Arcs

Marcello Clerici

Marcello's character arc revolves around his internal struggle to reconcile his desire for conformity with his longing for individuality. Initially, Marcello fully embraces the conformist ideology of the fascist regime, suppressing his true self. However, as the story progresses and he reunites with Lino, he begins to question his choices and confront his internal conflicts.

Throughout the novel, Marcello's character arc is marked by a gradual shift towards self-discovery and a rejection of conformity. He ultimately realizes the limitations of conformity and the importance of embracing his true desires, even if it means facing the consequences.

Giulia

Giulia's character arc is not as pronounced as Marcello's, as she primarily serves as a supporting role. However, her unwavering loyalty to Marcello and her willingness to support his decisions demonstrate her own conformity and commitment to their marriage.

Lino

Lino's character arc represents a consistent rebellion against conformity. He encourages Marcello to embrace his individuality and reject the conformist ideology of the regime. Lino's influence prompts Marcello to question his choices and ultimately pushes him towards self-discovery.

Manganiello

Manganiello's character arc revolves around his manipulation of Marcello and his role as an enforcer of conformity. He remains steadfast in his commitment to the regime, showcasing the unwavering nature of authoritarian figures.

Relationships

Marcello's relationships with Giulia, Lino, and Manganiello play crucial roles in shaping his character and influencing his decisions.

Marcello's marriage to Giulia represents a conventional relationship built on conformity. Giulia's unwavering support and obedience to Marcello's decisions reinforce his desire to conform and avoid any potential conflicts.

Lino's friendship with Marcello serves as a catalyst for his internal struggle. Lino's non-conformist attitude and rejection of societal norms force Marcello to confront his own desires and question the path he has chosen.

Manganiello's relationship with Marcello is one of manipulation and control. Manganiello exploits Marcello's vulnerabilities and desire for acceptance, using him as a pawn in the regime's efforts to suppress dissent. This relationship highlights the oppressive nature of the regime and the impact it has on Marcello's character.

In conclusion, "The Conformist" explores the internal struggle of its protagonist, Marcello Clerici, as he grapples with the conflicting desires for conformity and individuality. Through his relationships with Giulia, Lino, and Manganiello, Marcello embarks on a journey of self-discovery and self-realization, ultimately challenging the conformist ideology of the fascist regime.