McMurphy

McMurphy is a character who appears in Ken Kesey's 1962 novel One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest and its 1975 film adaptation. He is a patient admitted to a mental institution, though his true diagnosis and reasons for admission are subjects of some ambiguity. McMurphy presents himself as a rebellious and boisterous individual who chafes under the strict rules and oppressive atmosphere of the ward, which is overseen by the formidable Nurse Ratched.

His arrival disrupts the established order and the passive resignation of the other patients. McMurphy challenges Nurse Ratched's authority, often through acts of defiance and by encouraging the other inmates to question their circumstances. He is portrayed as a trickster figure, using humor and manipulation to expose the irrationality of the institution and to foster a sense of camaraderie and individuality among the patients.

Through his interactions, McMurphy inspires hope and a desire for freedom in the other patients. His methods are unconventional, and his impact on the ward is profound, leading to both positive changes and significant conflict. The character's journey is central to the novel's and film's exploration of themes such as conformity, rebellion, sanity versus insanity, and the nature of power.