In Daniel Keyes's “Flowers for Algernon,” the laboratory mouse is named Algernon.
Algernon has undergone the experimental surgery designed to increase intelligence before the procedure is tried on Charlie Gordon, the story's human protagonist. Charlie's progress reports initially describe the mouse as a scientific success and as evidence that the operation might transform his life.
The experiment becomes tragic when Algernon's enhanced intelligence begins to decline. Charlie studies this change and identifies a flaw in the procedure, which he calls the “Algernon–Gordon Effect.” The name signals that Charlie's own improvement is temporary and that his mental deterioration will follow the mouse's pattern.
Algernon is therefore much more than a supporting animal character: he is the story's scientific test case, emotional mirror, and warning. Charlie eventually buries him and asks that flowers be placed on his grave. The title refers directly to that final request. The work began as a 1959 short story and was expanded into the award-winning 1966 novel, with both versions retaining Algernon's central role.