Napoleon (Animal Farm)

Napoleon is a fictional pig from George Orwell's Animal Farm. With events on Animal Farm mirroring those in the Soviet Union, Napoleon is based on the Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin.

Napoleon struggled with Snowball, a fellow pig, for power after the animals took control of Manor Farm. To secure his power, Napoleon ordered his attack dogs to chase Snowball away from the farm. After this, he executed any animal whom he believed was affiliated with Snowball. To prevent the animals from accusing him from breaking the Seven Commandments, Squealer altered them, giving Napoleon even greater power. At the end of the book, Napoleon and the other pigs act just like humans, wearing clothes, smoking, and even walk upright.

Napoleon was mostly based on Joseph Stalin, who ruled the Soviet Union for nearly 30 years. However, his name comes from the French general Napoleon Bonaparte. Instead of acting for the good of the animals, Napoleon the pig only acted for himself and eventually acted just like humans. Napoleon Bonaparte seemed like he acted for the good of the French, but acted like the rich people they got rid of. In the French language version, he was named Caesar.

The true side of Napoleon becomes evident after he slaughters so many animals for plotting against him. He even hires a pig to sample his food for him to make certain that no one is trying to poison him.