In addition to the previous post, I would like to add that Roger also abuses power in the novel. Although he is not the chief, he certainly represents the darkest side of human nature. One might compare him to military commanders in dictatorships or police states: they may not be the one with power nominally, but they surely hold the power behind the scenes. For example, when one of the lookouts tells him Jack is beating a follower, Roger muses on the possibilities of irresponsible authority. He recognizes how much freedom exists in chaos. In such an atmosphere, where there are no legal or moral restraints, he is free to act as he pleases and satisfy his sadistic tendencies. Unlike Jack, who sees violence as necessity, Roger views it as opportunity.
The twins, Samneric, recognize this too. After being beaten and forced to join Jack's tribe, they speak to Ralph, who attempts to win them over to his side again. but they are terrified.
“You don’t know Roger. He’s a terror.”
“And the chief—they’re both—”
“—terrors—”
“—only Roger—”
You can see that it is not really Jack they are afraid of: it's Roger. They confirm this with their final statement to Ralph “Roger sharpened a stick at both ends.” That one line sums up the delight Roger has discovered in abusing others. He uses the power of Jack to enact his own torture fantasies. Perhaps nowhere is this more evident than in Piggy's death. Roger watches the rock crush Piggy almost serenely, seeming to revel in his first kill. He is truly the one who reveals the beast within.
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