Character Clues
Character Analysis
Physical Appearance
Almost every mode of characterization in The Lathe of Heaven is used mainly to highlight the differences between Dr. Haber and George Orr. When it comes to their physical appearances, they're about as opposite as they could be.
Dr. Haber has a big beard, he's tall and physically imposing, and he has a "broad, hairy, bear's smile, like a big bear-god" (3.11). That goes perfectly with his bombastic, campy, pompous personality. He's always trying to dominate the other characters with his words, so it makes sense that he's physically dominating, too.
George is the complete opposite. Everyone keeps noticing exactly how unimpressive he is. Heather describes him like this: "A born victim. Hair like a little girl's, brown and fine, little blond beard; soft white skin like a fish's belly; meek, mild, stuttering. S***! If she stepped on him he wouldn't even crunch." (4.5). Not exactly awe-inspiring, is he?
George isn't the kind of person who wants to impose himself on others, and his physical appearance backs that up. He's not frightening; he's not bombastic; he's not much of anything. He looks exactly like what he is: a gentle guy.
Thoughts and Opinions
We could write an essay on the ways that Dr. Haber and George's thoughts characterize them, but we'll just focus on one part: their thoughts about change, or, more specifically, change brought about by means of technological "progress."
Dr. Haber is all for change. He says: "So now there's nothing to fear, and it's all out of your hands. I know, scientifically and morally, what I'm doing and how to do it. I know where I'm going" (9.128). This guy is confident. He thinks he knows what he's doing, and he thinks that science is the answer to the world's problems. Unfortunately, it's exactly his confidence that leads to his downfall. Who knows enough to play God?
George, on the other hand, wants no part in that. He says: "Because I don't want to change things!" Orr said, as if stating the superobvious. "Who am I to meddle with the way things go?"(2.62). That's kind of ironic, considering George is the one with the power—but just as Dr. Haber's confidence is a sign that he shouldn't be trusted, we're pretty sure that the reason George has the power in the first place is he doesn't want to use it.
Direct Characterization
Le Guin is all about direct characterization, too, in case you miss the subtle hints. Not sure what to make of Dr. Haber and George? Heather will set you straight. Here's what she says about Dr. Haber: "'I hate him,' she said fiercely, on the descending spiral of the escalator. 'He's a horrible man. False. A big fake!'" (10.117). Well, that clears up any doubts we had.
And what about Heather's lover boy, George? Here's what she thinks: "He nodded. 'Would you like some coffee?' he asked. It was more than dignity. Integrity? Wholeness? Like a block of wood not carved" (7.49). Heather tells us not to be fooled by George's exterior, because underneath there is a very real and stable interior.
But of course she would say that, wouldn't she?