How does Jack interact with others in Lord of the Flies?

Jack is tyrannical and selfish in his interactions with the other boys.

Jack’s first interaction with the other boys on the island is as leader of the choir.  He maintains control of that same group of boys for most of the book, transforming them into hunters.  Jack mocks the use of first names, insisting he be called “Merridew,” but it does not stick.  When Ralph is elected leader it is basically just because he has...

Jack is tyrannical and selfish in his interactions with the other boys.

Jack’s first interaction with the other boys on the island is as leader of the choir.  He maintains control of that same group of boys for most of the book, transforming them into hunters.  Jack mocks the use of first names, insisting he be called “Merridew,” but it does not stick.  When Ralph is elected leader it is basically just because he has the conch, because Jack is the natural leader.

Jack cedes power to Ralph, grudgingly and partially.  His reaction to the suggestion that the group obey the leader with the conch demonstrates his personality and his view of power.

“And he won’t be interrupted: Except by me.”

Jack was on his feet.

“We’ll have rules!” he cried excitedly. “Lots of rules! Then when anyone breaks ’em–” (Ch. 2)

Jack doesn’t want rules to keep order.  His interest is in controlling others and inflicting pain if possible.  He is the perfect choice for leader of the hunters.  The hunters exist as a separate band, allowing him to maintain control, and with them he can satiate his appetite for blood. 

Behind Jack walked the twins, carrying a great stake on their shoulders. The gutted carcass of a pig swung from the stake, swinging heavily as the twins toiled over the uneven ground. The pig’s head hung down with gaping neck and seemed to search for something on the ground. (Ch. 4)

Being the head of the hunters also gives Jack power.  Although the boys have fruit to eat aplenty on the island, they naturally want meat.  Even after the schism when Jack and the hunters go one way and Ralph and his followers go theirs, Ralph is drawn to the meat.

Jack is a tyrant.  We know that he inflicts harsh punishments on his followers and that he rules in a most mercurial way.  He ties a boy to a tree and has him beaten.  Yet he has meat and war dances, so his is a much more attractive lifestyle than Ralph’s attempted order.  Copying adults and babysitting signal fires is pretty boring.