The short story by Kurt Vonnegut, Harrison Bergeron, displays three main figures that characterize known traits in today’s society. The Handicapper General for that area has mandated that above-average people must be forced to cripple themselves in some manner so that all people have an equal chance in their day-to-day activities.

Hazel Bergeron is depicted as a simple and average woman. She makes several statements to her husband George that prove that she is a kind and loving woman. At the same time, she goes along with what she is told by those in authority. She seems to be in favor of everything that the Handicapper General is pushing the public to do and all that she has accomplished. This character accepts her mediocrity and does nothing to strive to better herself.

Given the handicap equipment that he wears, George Bergeron seems to be of above-average intelligence and strength. He wears a headpiece that broadcasts a loud noise periodically that interrupts his train of thought. He also has been forced to wear extra weights around his neck since he is a relatively strong person. He doesn’t want to go against the rules set out by the government in fear of being sent to jail, just as was done to his son. Even though he is capable of so much, he chooses to refrain from anything that will set him apart.

Hazel and George’s son, Harrison is also an above-average character, if not truly brilliant. But in contrast to his father, Harrison never settles to be average for the sake of others. He is always pushing the limits and demonstrating his prowess in various categories. Even after he was thrown in jail because of his actions, he still rebels and eventually escapes, and then encourages others to be the best that they can be. He understands that his actions will have severe repercussions, but moves ahead anyway.

Each of these three main