Brad Majors: More Than Just a Square? Examining a Complex Character in *The Rocky Horror Picture Show*

*The Rocky Horror Picture Show* is a cultural phenomenon, a riotous celebration of camp, sexuality, and rebellion that has captivated audiences for decades. Amidst the singing, dancing, and transgressive characters, one figure often gets overlooked or dismissed: Brad Majors. Brad, the clean-cut, all-American boy, frequently serves as the butt of jokes, the embodiment of societal norms ripe for subversion. However, to write him off as simply a “square” is to miss the complexities and, arguably, the tragedy, of his journey through Frank-N-Furter’s castle. While seemingly one-dimensional at first glance, Brad Majors undergoes a significant transformation throughout the film, grappling with his repressed desires and evolving perceptions of gender and sexuality. This article delves into the character of Brad Majors, exploring his initial naivete, his unsettling encounters, and ultimately, questioning whether he truly changes, and whether he deserves a second, more sympathetic look.

The Archetypal “Square”: Brad’s Pre-Castle Life

Before the ill-fated detour that leads Brad Majors and his fiancée Janet Weiss to a gothic castle in the middle of nowhere, Brad presents a picture of unwavering conventionality. He is the embodiment of the earnest, upstanding young man, ready to settle down and fulfill societal expectations. His primary focus is proposing to Janet, a goal he pursues with a determination that borders on the obsessive. He’s a graduate, ready to become a good husband, get a good job, and likely, live a good, predictable life.

Brad’s dialogue in the opening scenes paints a clear picture of his conservative worldview. He speaks in clipped, polite tones, expressing concern for propriety and appearances. He seems acutely aware of the perceived “right” way to do things, from proposing to Janet to navigating social interactions. He and Janet, are portrayed as a typical couple, embodying the values of the era, and setting them in stark contrast to the liberation they will experience once their tires burst in the rain.

This initial characterization makes Brad easily dislikeable for some viewers. His earnestness can come across as cloying, and his adherence to societal norms can feel restrictive and even judgmental. Some find him annoying, lacking the wit or charm of other characters in the film. He is, in essence, the perfect foil for the outrageous and sexually liberated inhabitants of Frank-N-Furter’s castle. The opening scenes are designed to make the audience understand exactly who Brad is, a seemingly perfect all-American male, and exactly how far he is about to be taken from that identity.

The Descent into Transylvania: Losing Control

The flat tire on a dark and stormy night marks the beginning of Brad Majors’ descent into a world of chaos and confusion. The arrival at Frank-N-Furter’s castle throws Brad’s carefully constructed reality into disarray. He is immediately confronted with a cast of characters who defy his understanding of appropriate behavior and social norms.

Brad’s initial reactions to the Transylvanians are a mixture of bewilderment and disapproval. He observes them with a palpable sense of unease, struggling to reconcile their flamboyant attire and suggestive dancing with his own rigid worldview. He is a fish out of water, completely unprepared for the sensory overload and the blatant disregard for societal conventions.

As the night progresses, Brad’s sense of control steadily erodes. He is separated from Janet, leaving him vulnerable and isolated in the strange and unsettling environment. The very foundations of his identity begin to crumble as he witnesses and experiences things that challenge his deeply held beliefs. He is no longer in control of the situation, and this lack of control is terrifying for him. He is not an adventurer, or a risk taker, he is a man who seeks control and validation. This is, perhaps, the beginning of his transformation.

Seduction and Confusion: Encounters with the Sweet Transvestite

Brad Majors’ encounters with Frank-N-Furter are arguably the most pivotal moments in his transformation (or potential transformation). These interactions challenge his sexuality and force him to confront his own repressed desires. The exact nature of these encounters is open to interpretation, but there’s no doubt that they leave Brad profoundly shaken.

The seduction scene (or the implied seduction, depending on which version of *Rocky Horror* one views) is a crucial turning point. Frank-N-Furter, a master of manipulation, exploits Brad’s vulnerabilities and insecurities. The themes of sexual awakening and gender fluidity are central to this scene. Brad, who has previously presented as sexually naive, is suddenly confronted with a world of possibilities that he had never considered.

How does Brad cope with this experience? The answer is complex and ambiguous. He seems both repulsed and intrigued, struggling to reconcile his upbringing with the allure of Frank-N-Furter’s seductive power. He is clearly conflicted, torn between his ingrained beliefs and his emerging desires. There are a few interpretations of Brad’s encounter with Frank-N-Furter. Some argue that it is a transformative moment, leading to a greater self-awareness. Others see it as a traumatic experience, a violation that leaves him emotionally scarred. The power dynamics at play are undeniable. Frank-N-Furter holds all the cards, exploiting Brad’s naivete and insecurities for their own amusement.

Transformation or Regression? The End of the Night

Does Brad Majors truly change by the end of *The Rocky Horror Picture Show*? This is a question that has been debated by fans and scholars for years. Some argue that he undergoes a significant transformation, emerging from the experience with a more open mind and a greater understanding of himself. Others believe that he ultimately regresses, returning to his former conservative self.

His behavior and dialogue in the later scenes offer clues to his state of mind. He appears dazed and confused, struggling to make sense of the events he has witnessed. He seems to yearn for the familiar comfort of his old life, yet he can never truly return to it. He has seen too much, experienced too much, to simply erase the memories of that night.

Compared to his initial characterization, Brad at the end of the movie is a fractured version of himself. The perfect all-American man has been broken down, his certainties shattered. Whether he is able to rebuild himself into something new, or whether he remains trapped in the past, is left ambiguous. Some argue that he reverts to his former self, clinging to Janet and seeking to reestablish the normalcy he craved. Others suggest that he retains some of the lessons he learned, carrying a newfound awareness of the complexities of human sexuality and the limitations of societal norms.

Brad Majors: A Foil to Liberation

Brad Majors represents certain societal norms and values that *The Rocky Horror Picture Show* actively critiques. He embodies the traditional expectations of masculinity, heteronormativity, and conformity that the film seeks to subvert. He serves as a foil to the more liberated characters, highlighting the absurdity of these rigid social constructs.

The film uses Brad’s discomfort and confusion to expose the limitations of his worldview. His inability to embrace the unconventional and the sexually fluid serves as a commentary on the restrictive nature of mainstream society. His role is essential to the film’s message, he is a reminder of the restrictive world that many of the characters are trying to escape. He is a stark contrast to Frank-N-Furter and others, and this makes him extremely important to the overarching themes of the film.

Brad’s role in the film’s exploration of sexuality, gender, and identity is crucial. He is a symbol of the societal pressures that can lead to repression and self-denial. By challenging his deeply held beliefs, the film encourages viewers to question their own assumptions and to embrace a more open and accepting view of the world. He is both a victim and a participant in the chaos, forced to confront his own prejudices and to grapple with the consequences of his choices.

A Sympathetic Perspective on Brad

While Brad Majors is often the target of ridicule, it is possible to argue for a more sympathetic reading of his character. Consider his vulnerability and naiveté. He is, after all, just a young man trying to navigate the complexities of life. He is not malicious or intentionally cruel, but rather simply unaware of the world beyond his own limited experience.

The trauma he experiences throughout the film cannot be ignored. He is thrust into a bizarre and unsettling situation, separated from his fiancée, and subjected to unwanted sexual advances. He is a victim of circumstance, caught in a web of chaos and manipulation.

Challenging the common perception of him as simply a “square” allows for a deeper understanding of his character. He is not merely a caricature, but a complex individual struggling to make sense of a world that defies his comprehension. Is he, perhaps, a product of his environment, shaped by the societal expectations that have limited his growth and understanding? A sympathetic view of Brad can lead to a richer appreciation of the film’s themes and a greater understanding of the challenges faced by those who struggle to break free from societal norms.

Conclusion: Brad’s Enduring Significance

Brad Majors is a character that is easy to overlook in *The Rocky Horror Picture Show*. His initial conservatism and naivete often make him the butt of jokes, a symbol of the societal norms that the film seeks to subvert. However, a closer examination reveals a more complex and nuanced character, one who undergoes a significant transformation, or a fracturing, as a result of his experiences.

While Brad Majors may never achieve the iconic status of Frank-N-Furter or Riff Raff, his journey from naive fiancé to bewildered participant in Transylvanian madness offers a valuable perspective on the film’s themes of sexual liberation and societal rebellion. Whether he emerges from the experience a changed man, or retreats back into his former self, his story serves as a reminder of the power of transformation and the enduring allure of *The Rocky Horror Picture Show*. Ultimately, the question remains: Does Brad Majors find himself on that fateful night, or does he lose himself completely? Perhaps the answer lies in the eye of the beholder, and in the willingness to look beyond the surface of this seemingly simple, yet deeply complex, character. His seemingly simple character is often dismissed, but it is a vital piece of the puzzle that is *The Rocky Horror Picture Show*. He is a reminder of where some of us start, and of how far we can go, even if that journey is unwanted.