The Gadfly

Main Characters and Their Development

• Arthur Burton — the main character of the novel, a young man who undergoes profound personal and ideological changes. At the beginning of the book, he is a naive and religious youth, but after betrayal and disillusionment with the Church, he becomes a revolutionary under the name The Gadfly. His character evolves from gentle and trusting to harsh and cynical, yet deep down he remains sensitive and vulnerable.
• Gemma Warren — Arthur's beloved, who also undergoes significant changes. At the start of the book, she is a romantic and idealistic girl, but as the plot develops, she becomes more mature and determined, supporting The Gadfly's revolutionary ideas.
• Montanelli — a Catholic priest and Arthur's spiritual mentor, who turns out to be his biological father. His internal conflict between religious beliefs and paternal love for Arthur becomes one of the central themes of the novel. Ultimately, he cannot reconcile these two aspects of his life, leading to tragic consequences.
• James Burton — Arthur's brother, who plays a secondary but important role in his life. He represents a contrast to Arthur, remaining faithful to traditional values and religion, which highlights the main character's internal conflict.