Who is the president of the Patients' Council?

• A. Dale Harding
• B. Chief Bromden
• C. Nurse Ratched
• D. Randle McMurphy

Answer: (A)

Who leads the Patients' Council on the ward is the key idea here. Dale Harding holds that role, serving as president and organizing meetings where patients’ concerns are voiced and discussed with Nurse Ratched. He’s portrayed as educated and steady, able to articulate grievances and keep the group focused on establishing reasonable rules and rights for the patients. This leadership position is what defines him in the council’s functioning, setting him apart from the others.

Chief Bromden is the long-time patient narrator and a large, looming presence, but he does not preside over the council. Nurse Ratched runs the ward and uses the council to maintain control, not to hold the office. Randle McMurphy is a new, rebellious patient who disrupts the status quo and stirs things up, but he doesn’t hold the presidency.