Considering the presentation of Ralph in Golding's 'Lord of the Flies'

As elected leader, Ralph represents an early desire for law, order and civility. Golding uses colour symbolism to characterise Ralph as possessing the qualities of an effective and charismatic leader. Ralph's participation in the murder of Simon illustrates human beings' capacity for savagery and brutality. Ralph's naivety fades away as he begins to recognise the savagery that exists in supposedly-civilised people. Ralph's faith in democracy is arguably his greatest strength and his greatest weakness.