Kent "Flounder" Dorfman was the main protagonist in the iconic 1978 film National Lampoon's Animal House. He also appeared in the subsequent television spin-off, Delta House.
Flounder arrived at Faber College as an incoming freshman and quickly became a legacy pledge at the notorious Delta Tau Chi fraternity. His older brother, Fred, had been a member of Delta Tau Chi, securing Flounder's place within the fraternity's ranks.
Who Was Kent "Flounder" Dorfman?
Flounder is famously portrayed as a somewhat hapless, overweight, and naive character who struggles to navigate the chaotic and often outrageous antics of his new fraternity brothers, particularly the likes of Bluto and Otter. His journey through the film often highlights the clash between his innocent nature and the Deltas' hedonistic lifestyle.
Key Aspects of Flounder's Role:
- Protagonist: While Animal House is an ensemble film, Flounder serves as a central figure through whose experiences much of the narrative unfolds, particularly regarding the fraternity's struggle against Dean Wormer and the rival Omega Theta Pi house.
- Legacy Member: His entry into Delta Tau Chi was facilitated by his family connection, a common practice in fraternity culture. This status immediately immerses him in the fraternity's traditions and wild behavior.
- Symbol of Innocence Lost: Throughout the film, Flounder's character arc often involves him being subjected to various unfortunate events, such as the destruction of his brother's car (the "Deathmobile" in the climactic parade), which symbolize his unwitting descent into the Delta madness.
- Relatable Everyman: Despite the extreme situations, Flounder's wide-eyed bewilderment and occasional attempts to fit in make him a relatable character for audiences.
Flounder's Key Attributes in Animal House
To summarize Flounder's identity and role, consider the following attributes:
| Attribute | Description |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kent Dorfman |
| Nickname | Flounder |
| Role in Film | Main Protagonist, Delta Tau Chi Pledge |
| Fraternity | Delta Tau Chi |
| Status | Legacy (due to older brother Fred's membership) |
| Character Traits | Naive, hapless, often bewildered, initially innocent |
| Notable Moment | Involvement with the "Deathmobile," the destruction of his car. |
Flounder's presence is integral to the film's comedic success, often serving as a foil to the more outlandish characters and embodying the freshman experience of plunging into the unknown world of college and fraternity life.
