Slaughterhouse Five, by Kurt Vonnegut, is a novel that makes no sense in itself; yet, when put into context individually with today's events, or life's events in general, makes more sense then if it were clearly spelled out within the pages. By using the character of Billy Pilgram, Vonnegut conveys his points with Billy's reactions and common characteristics. Billy Pilgram could not be any more a human then if he was actually walking amongst us. With basic characteristics of simplicity, confusion and general common sense, any one can relate to what Billy is and was going through. By successfully portraying this personality of Billy's, Vonnegut creates a complex yet oddly simple character for audiences to follow.
For Billy, it truly is a gift to be simple, especially with every thing he must endure. Simplicity is a common trait that most characters in novels lack. Authors are many times trying to create such a complex character that the audience may become lost or even bored with the character. By making Billy so simple, he can create complex events that surround him. With this, Billy shows his general reactions. Without Billy delving deeply into the events, it in fact leaves room for the audience to have their own interpretation of what Billy may be feeling. A simple character can in turn makes for a more complex novel. Allowing audiences to have a mental interaction of their own will better to help keep them involved in the storyline. Vonnegut is very successful in creating this type of persona in Billy" character. Confusion can in fact be a trait that is truly over looked now. Billy's own confusion helps to clear up the story for the reader, while leaving Billy more confused then he originally was. Creating confusion for the audience and clarity for Billy also works in the same way. Events that may seem like a whirlwind in the audience's train of thought, yet at the same time,