CONFLICT

The conflict in Animal Farm is really between Marxist Socialism (Old Major) and Russian Communism (Napoleon) as represented by the two attitudes expressed by the two different groups in the novel.

Protagonist

The protagonist is the group of common animals searching for a utopian world and largely represented by characters like Old Major and Snowball and supported by the 'proletariat'.

Antagonist

The antagonist is the combination of all the forces acting against such an idealistic world, largely represented by the power-hungry Napoleon and his henchman, Squealer.

Climax

The ultimate climax is reached when Napoleon changes Animal Farm into a republic and elects himself President, assuring the maintenance of his seized power. The result of Napoleon's victory over the masses is that the pigs start walking on their hind legs and acting totally like humans. It is an indication that Animal Farm has really returned to the status of Manor Farm.

Outcome

The story ends in tragedy for the common animals are helpless against the power of Napoleon. Even in Utopia, totalitarianism leads to ruin.

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