Ralph symbolizes leadership and courage. In the beginning of the novel, the boys wanted to elect a leader who was Ralph. Ralph's first instinct was to build huts and think of ways to maximize their chances of being rescued. He tried to keep order among the boys, but they would rather spend their time playing then doing work. Ralph's power and influence over the boys are extremely secure at the beginning of the novel.

As the book progresses and the group of boys gradually give into savage instincts, Ralph's position declines gradually as Jack's stature begins to rise. All the boys eventually left Ralph's group to join Jack's; all except for Piggy. Ralph, left to be alone and hunted by Jack's tribe, he never considers joining Jack's tribe in order to save himself. Ralph has a strong belief in living a civilized and moral lifestyle, but also rescued...