The owl has been seen as a symbol of wisdom, which is probably because of its ability to hunt cleverly and with high accuracy. This leadership quality is key, because while someone may be bold enough to carry out the task of being leader, without wisdom the leader will make poor choices and ultimately fall. > One of the wisest characters in the novel is Simon. When Simon speaks, although rarely, his words are filled with wisdom. Simon is the only one on the island to realize that maybe the beast is only their imaginations. Readers can see this when Simon tells the group that “Maybe it’s only [them]” (89).

This old adage characterizes elephants to be reliable. Their reliability is also proven in their loyalty to their heard. Elephants never let their heard down and never betray the heard, even in the event of trouble. Elephants have been known to remember past experiences, including times when another had helped them, further pushing the idea of elephant's reliability and loyalty. Without reliability the people that a leader is ruling over will not be able trust the leader to follow through with the tasks he says he will. > Simon is a character in the book that proves his reliability, so much that even Ralph notices. Ralph knows that "Simon. He helps." (54) even when the other boys do not, he can count on Simon.

Cats prove their caring nature clearly through their loving actions. As a cat rubs against a person’s legs or tenderly purrs upon their arrival they are proving to them that they care about that person. This quality is essential for leaders because without a caring mentality, a ruler may become so ruthless and unsympathetic that they are driven out of the position by the people or destroy what they rule over. > Ralph proves that he cares through his relationship with Piggy. Ralph's care when he stands up for Piggy when "[Jack] [hasn't] got the conch!" and insists on Jack "[letting] him speak" (91).

The tiger lends itself to a confident image. The tiger’s large stature and prideful posture shows its all-in-all confidence, which is a key in leadership. Without confidence a leader will not be able to assert their selves, which would result in the group they are leading becoming unruly and ultimately plummet to the group’s downfall. > Ralph is able to show his confident side by taking charge every once in a while claiming "[he] [is] chief and [they] [are] going to do what [he] said" (70).

Lions are often pictured as the most courageous animals in the animal kingdom. These fierce creatures with a courageous reputation easily show courage in their confidence and overpoweringly loud roar. This quality is necessary of leaders, because without a brave leader, a group cannot be brave. Without a leader to take that brave first step, there will be no first step. >

This ferocious big cat is among the most determined animals. Cheetah's can run up to 75 mph. This kind of speed doesn't happen overnight. Cheetahs work up to this high speed with lots of willpower. It’s this kind of willpower that leadership demands. Without determination nothing will get done. A leader without determination will quit at the first spark of difficulty, which doesn't help the people they are leading. >Ralph is determined to get off that island and help get everyone else off as well. Ralph is insistent on the boys keeping the fire going, after all "How can [they] ever be rescued except by luck, if [they] don't keep the fire going?" (80).

The mouse symbolizes humbleness and humility, most likely due to its small size. The mouse's small size is used to characterize it as humble in folklore, such as "The Lion and the Mouse." In this the mouse begs the lion for her life, promising to return the favor later. The lion agrees due to the mouse's humbleness about the situation. The humility seen in the mouse is a characteristic no leader should go without. Humility holds a leader to his roots and original ideas. Without humbleness, leaders go corrupt and snap. > Jack, although he may not seem it, has some humility. Jack's humility is seen when he avoids killing the pig by procrastinating "waiting for a moment to decide where to stab him" (31). His hesitation to kill the pig proves that although he may not seem it, he is somewhat humble.