Animal Farm, one of George Orwell's masterpieces, is a political allegory that tells the story of a group of animals whose desire for freedom ultimately turns into tyranny. The novel is packed with memorable characters, each with their unique traits and motivations that drive the story forward. Nevertheless, if I had to choose one character to be from Animal Farm, it would undoubtedly be Benjamin the Donkey.
For me, Benjamin embodies the character that is most relatable and identifiable in Animal Farm. The donkey is a wise, cynical character that does not get involved in political affairs on the farm. Benjamin represents the intelligentsia who have seen many revolutions and rulers come and go and knows that nothing ultimately changes. He is a uniquely powerful voice in the story, the only one who can see through both the capitalist pigs and the communist-themed revolution.
Another reason why I choose Benjamin is that he is a self-thinking animal that does not follow the crowd blindly. Not much can sway him either way, whether it is Squealer's propaganda or the abuse of power by Napoleon. While the other animals fall under Napoleon's spell, Benjamin is one of the few characters who does not. He is a character that symbolizes the autonomy and intelligence of the individual.
Benjamin's stoic rebellion to the changes on the farm also makes him stand out. Throughout the book, he maintains his attitude of "I don't care," and it is something that stands out. He does not get involved in the backstabbing and infighting among the other animals, and he is never fooled by the pigs' rhetoric. This behavior makes Benjamin different from the other characters, and adds to his uniqueness and intrigue.
Another reason why Benjamin is such a powerful character is that he is the voice of reason in the story. He understands the change of power dynamics on the farm, and he is aware of the farm's history. In many ways, Benjamin represents the older generation's critical thinking, which the pigs take advantage of to fool the younger generation. Yet, Benjamin never gives in to their logic, and he remains a constant reminder of the past.
In conclusion, being Benjamin in Animal Farm would be a fascinating experience. He is a wise, intelligent character that is not swayed by propaganda or populist rhetoric. He represents the voice of reason, and his ability to see through the political machinations of the other characters makes him a fascinating presence in the story. For this reason, Benjamin is the character that I would choose if I could be any one of the characters in Animal Farm.