Characterization of McMurphy and Nurse Ratched Kesey's characterization of McMurphy and Nurse Ratched is the element that makes the plot come alive. McMurphy and Nurse Ratched, the main characters in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, helped establish and embellish the plot and the other characters in the book. Kesey created these characters and used them as foils to bring about the characteristics of the other mental patients in the ward. Their relationship also enhances the tone for the reader and causes the realization that mankind can be extremely cruel to other human beings. McMurphy is ju...

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