Raymond Shaw is a fictional character from the novel "The Manchurian Candidate," written by Richard Condon in 1959. He is portrayed as a former prisoner of war who has been brainwashed by communist agents. Shaw is depicted as a complex individual, struggling with his identity and the effects of his conditioning. In the story, Shaw is used as an unwitting pawn in a political conspiracy, which leads to dramatic and suspenseful events. His character explores themes of manipulation, loyalty, and the impact of psychological control, making him a significant figure in the narrative.