In "1984", which figure served as the leader of The Party?

In George Orwell's 1984, Big Brother serves as the leader and figurehead of the Party. He rules over Oceania, the totalitarian superstate where Winston Smith lives under constant surveillance and ideological control.

Big Brother's image appears on posters, telescreens, coins, and other public displays, usually alongside the warning that “Big Brother is watching you.” The Party uses him as the focus of loyalty, fear, and devotion, turning political power into a personality cult.

Orwell deliberately leaves Big Brother's physical existence uncertain. The novel never shows him in person, and it is unclear whether he is a real individual or a symbolic identity created by the Party. In either case, he represents the regime's claim to be all-knowing and eternal.

Readers sometimes confuse Big Brother with Emmanuel Goldstein. Goldstein is portrayed by Party propaganda as the leader of the rebellious Brotherhood, while Big Brother is the supposed leader of the ruling Party.