I believe that Ralph is a better person in terms of his diplomacy and tact when dealing with the boys and his democratic leadership, however, Jack is better than Ralph with regards to adaptability and survival instincts.
Ralph is tactful and diplomatic when dealing with the boys. Despite knowing the Piggy would not be much of a help but rather a liability on the expedition to determine whether the island was truly an island, he does not say so. Instead, he tells Piggy gently that he is “no good on a job like this”, without directly saying that Piggy would hold them back on this expedition with his physical disadvantages. This is contrasted with Jack’s tactless remarks to Piggy with regards to the same incident. Jack says bluntly that they “don’t want you [him]” and that “three’s enough”. His rudeness caused Piggy to feel hurt and embarrassed especially since this was in front of all the boys, as seen when his “glasses flashed”, an indication of his feelings. Ralph is a better person than Jack as he knows how to handle matters with diplomacy and tact while Jack is tactless and hurts others with his bluntness. The contrast between the two boys’ handling of Piggy’s desire to join them on the expedition is especially telling of their character and as a result, who is a better person.
Ralph is also better as his is democratic and seeks the opinions of the boys unlike Jack who is autocratic and just makes demands of the boys, forcing things to be done his way and his way only. Ralph listens to the boys’ opinions, he is willing to give the conch to anyone who wants to speak in public. However, Jack “started to protest” when a vote was called. Jack does not want the voices of the boys’ to be heard, even through a simple vote that would not take up much time. He only wants things to be done his way and not any other