Here's a breakdown of their characterization:
George:
* Average intelligence: He wears a mental handicap radio transmitter that constantly emits jarring noises, preventing him from thinking too deeply or critically. This limits his intellectual capabilities and keeps him in line with the enforced mediocrity.
* Compliant and passive: He accepts his handicaps without question and even feels a sense of guilt when he momentarily surpasses the average. He represents the majority who passively accept the government's oppressive measures.
* Limited understanding: He struggles to grasp the complexities of the situation and often needs Hazel to explain things to him. This highlights the numbing effect of the handicaps and the societal control they exert.
Hazel:
* Average intelligence: Similar to George, Hazel is mentally average and doesn't possess a critical or questioning mind.
* Simple and emotionally driven: She is characterized by her lack of intellectual depth and her reliance on basic emotions. She readily forgets important events and finds solace in her simple, unburdened life.
* Passive and supportive: She accepts the societal norms and regulations without questioning them. She provides George with emotional support and reinforces his acceptance of the situation.
Overall:
George and Hazel represent the majority in this dystopian society, accepting the enforced mediocrity and embracing a life devoid of critical thought. They embody the dangers of complacency and the potential for a society to normalize oppression. They serve as a stark contrast to Harrison Bergeron, the rebellious protagonist who challenges the imposed equality.
Through their portrayal, Vonnegut satirizes the dangers of homogenization, the erosion of individuality, and the suppression of creativity and intelligence in the pursuit of artificial equality.