U Character Analysis

U is a desk monitor that works at D-503’s apartment building. D-503’s relationship with U is an ambivalent one: he is repulsed by her, frequently describing her as having “fish gills,” but he also feels affectionately toward her, seeing her almost as a maternal figure. Throughout We, U is critical of I-330’s attempts to lead D-503 astray. She feels a maternal instinct to protect D-503 from his animalistic impulses, and often comments on how sick or unlike himself D-503 behaves and looks. Symbolically, U seems to represent D-503’s ambivalence toward the One State: on the one hand, he feels repressed by her overbearing surveillance, but, on the other hand, takes comfort in her watchful, protective gaze because it keeps him in line. At the end of We, U’s desire to protect D-503 causes her to betray D-503, MEPHI, and the rebellion against the One State.