Ratched

Ratched is a character from Ken Kesey's novel "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest," published in 1962. She is the head nurse at the fictional McMurphy State Hospital for the Criminally Insane, where the story unfolds. Ratched is portrayed as a rigid, authoritarian figure who maintains strict control over the patients and the staff. She is known for her cold, detached demeanor and her use of psychological manipulation to maintain order. Ratched's character is often seen as a symbol of the oppressive nature of institutionalized mental health care. Her interactions with the patients, particularly with the protagonist, Randle McMurphy, highlight the stark contrast between her authoritarian approach and the more empathetic and human-centered care that McMurphy advocates for. Throughout the novel, Ratched's character evolves, reflecting the themes of power, control, and the human condition.