The opening paragraph involves worldbuilding as is typical of science fiction. It explains that, based on amendments to the Constitution, the government enforces total equality. The use of hyperbole, comedy, and worldbuilding indicates the story is a work of political satire. It also explores different senses of “equality;” the narrator clarifies that people are equal not only before God and the law but also in attractiveness, physical ability, and intelligence.

The “Handicapper General” enforces total equality by placing handicaps on people who are above average in ability or attractiveness. The Handicapper General enforces equality in three ways: first, by imprisoning perceived enemies of the state, as when the H-G men take Harrison away; second, by threatening fines and jail time for dissenters, which George fears might happen if he takes off his handicap; and third, by handicapping exceptional people. For example, loud sounds erupt in George’s earpiece whenever he begins to think.

Hazel is a flat character, a caricature of the common citizen. She would rather become the Handicapper General than rebel against her. George is prone to reflection, which is why his earpiece emits noise to scatter his thoughts, but he is also a flat character, a caricature of the citizen who is capable of thinking contrary to the state but chooses not to due to fear and coercion.