"Lord of the Flies" is a novel by William Golding that tells the story of a group of boys stranded on an uninhabited island after a plane crash. As they attempt to govern themselves and survive, their initial attempts at order quickly break down, leading to chaos and violence. The boys' descent into savagery highlights the conflict between civilization and primal instincts. The main characters include Ralph, who represents order and leadership, and Jack, who embodies the desire for power and savagery. The novel explores themes of human nature, morality, and the loss of innocence, ultimately revealing the darkness that can emerge when societal structures collapse.