Dr. Zaius

Dr. Zaius is a fictional orangutan character who serves as the Minister of Science and Chief Defender of the Faith in the 1968 science fiction film Planet of the Apes and its subsequent franchise. He is portrayed as a powerful and influential figure in ape society, holding significant authority over both scientific and religious matters.

His primary role is to uphold the established ape social order and suppress any knowledge or evidence that could threaten it. This includes concealing the true history of the planet and preventing the discovery of humanity's past dominance. He views humans as inferior and dangerous, believing they pose a threat to ape civilization.

Dr. Zaius is characterized by his intelligence, cunning, and unwavering commitment to his ideology. He is often depicted as being skeptical and distrustful of outsiders, particularly humans. He possesses a deep understanding of ape society and its laws, and he uses his knowledge to manipulate situations to his advantage.

He is a complex character, often portrayed as both a villain and a guardian of ape society's stability. While his actions are often driven by self-preservation and the maintenance of the status quo, they are also motivated by a genuine belief in the superiority of apes and the danger posed by humans. His motivations and actions raise questions about the nature of power, knowledge, and societal control.