George Orwell's 1984 - Summary

Main Character

Winston Smith
- Member of the ruling party in the city of London, Oceania.
- Constantly watched by Big Brother, the ruling party's surveillance system.
- Frustrated by the oppression and restrictions imposed by the party (e.g., free thought, sex, individuality).
- Works at the Ministry of Truth, editing historical records to suit the party's needs.

Big Brother: Term for the ruling party's extensive surveillance.
- Watches everything through television screens.
Newspeak: Language created by the party to eliminate words related to political rebellion.
Thought crime: Illegal to have rebellious thoughts; considered the worst crime.

O'Brien
- Senior leader in the party, whom Winston believes is part of the Brotherhood (a rebel group).
Julia
- Dark-haired girl Winston notices at work and eventually has an affair with.
- More optimistic compared to Winston about avoiding detection.

Winston's Dissatisfaction
- Discontent with the party's lies and manipulation (e.g., false claims of always being allied with East Asia).
- Writes a diary, which is a rebellious act.
Affair with Julia
- Receives a note from Julia saying "I love you."
- Begins a covert affair, always wary of Big Brother.
Contact with O'Brien
- O'Brien invites Winston and Julia to his luxurious apartment.
- Reveals himself as a member of the Brotherhood and gives them Goldstein's manifesto.
Capture and Betrayal
- Winston and Julia are caught by thought police, led by Mr. Charrington.
- O'Brien is revealed to be a party spy.
- Winston is tortured at the Ministry of Love.
- Faces his greatest fear (rats) in Room 101.
- Betrays Julia to stop the torture.
Conformity and Submission
- Winston, broken, returns to society with loyalty to the party and Big Brother.
- Loses interest in Julia.

Winston is ultimately broken by the party's torture and manipulation.
He conforms completely, demonstrating the party's power to crush rebellious thoughts and actions.