The Sound and the Fury

Main Characters and Their Development

• Benjy Compson - the intellectually disabled youngest son of the Compson family, perceives the world through sensations without understanding time and causality. His condition and perception of the world remain unchanged throughout the novel.
• Quentin Compson - Benjy's older brother, a Harvard student burdened by guilt and obsessive thoughts about family honor and traditions. His character develops from torturous reflections on family and personal desires to his suicide, highlighting his inability to cope with his family's legacy.
• Jason Compson - the third brother, portrayed as a materialist and cynic who harbors resentment towards his family, especially his sister Caddy. His development is tied to the gradual destruction of his material hopes and complete disillusionment with life.
• Caddy Compson - the only sister, the central figure of the novel around whom the lives of all three brothers revolve. Her character is developed through the memories of other characters, especially Quentin, and through these memories, we see her spirit of freedom and independence, as well as the consequences of her actions for the family.