Character Analysis
Algernon
Algernon is a white mouse that undergoes neurosurgery to in-crease his intelligence. Charlie initially meets him at the lab prior to his own surgery and cannot beat him at the mazes that both Algernon and Charlie are forced to complete. Algernon's surgery was successful, and his intelligence also tripled. The scientists are using Algernon to help predict the success or failure of Charlie's surgery. Prior to the convention in Chicago, Algernon's performance turns erratic and sometimes violent. Charlie kidnaps Algernon, and they share an apartment in Manhattan. Algernon continues to decline, and Charlie eventually returns him to the university's lab. Through Algernon's progressive degeneration and subsequent death, Charlie is able to predict his own future. Charlie is the personification of Algernon.