Antagonist

Character Role Analysis

The Village Virus

The Village Virus isn't really a character in this book. It's more of an abstract concept invented by Guy Pollock. But it does a great job of summing up the social force that our protagonist Carol is desperate not to give in to. The Village Virus is that little thing that gets into your body in your mid-twenties and tells you to let go of all the foolish ambitions and dreams you had when you were younger. Guy Pollock has given into this virus by deciding to live in Gopher Prairie and have a boring, lonely life. But Carol refuses to let go of her ambitions and the thought that she is unique and special. All around her, she sees people telling her to fit in and be normal. But she doesn't want to be normal. She wants to be exceptional and will never settle for less.