The Overlords: Noble SoulsChildhood's End is one of the best early examples of apocalyptic science fiction. It is the story of the invasion of Earth by an alien race, the "golden age" of life under the overlords, followed by the mutation of all human descendants into bodiless parts of a hive mind. The final phase of the mutation causes a chain reaction that destroys Earth. Childhood's End is a colonial parable, cleverly crafted to make the reader identify with the colonial administrators, the Overlords, and their mission of self-sacrifice for a better humanity. Wikipedia defines sympathetic characters as fictional characters in a story with whom the writer expects the reader to identify and care, or even admire (Noir). The likeable characters come from all walks of life. They may be strangers, rule breakers, vulnerable, motivated, harassed, etc. The criteria needed to develop characters that an audience can identify with requires human attributes such as humor, admiration, kindness, misfortunes, and/or disabilities that hold them back. The fact that these characters are keeping a secret or hiding true feelings also makes for great, likeable characters. This strategy makes the characters seem more primitive, especially when they finally manage to reveal their secret. Every time the characters hide something, suspense and tension arise; This immediately raises the question of when they will be discovered. Allowing the audience to be suspicious all adds to the reader's investment in the characters. Through the use of these human techniques and attributes, Arthur C. Clark is able to portray the Overlords as sympathetic characters, primarily seen through Karellen, their chief overseer on Earth. Throughout the book Clark...... middle of paper .... ....s with Karellen observing the departure of the new humanity from the Overlords' orbiting ship. The children left on Earth to continue the transformation have horrible faces, neglected people and incomprehensible behavior. It is an image to be feared, not admired. And finally, after 150 years, Karellen – not a God but a devoted and patient servant – can turn his attention to his next mission. Works Cited Black, Jason. “Likable character.” Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, Web. February 25, 2014. Clarke, Arthur C.. End of Childhood. New York: Ballantine Books, 1953. Print.Goldman, Stephen H. "The Immortal Man and the Mortal Overlord: The Case for Intertexuality." » Death and the Serpent: Immortality in Science Fiction and Fantasy. Ed. Carl B Yoke and Donald M. Hassler. Westport: Greenwood, 10985. 193-208