How does the characterization of Snowball best support the author’s purpose? Snowball, characterized as a spy, shows how dictators use people to do their dirty work for them. Snowball, characterized as a traitor, shows how dictators use scapegoats to ramp up fear and keep control. Snowball, characterized as a villain, shows how even the most loyal subjects can turn against a leader. Snowball, characterized as a loner, shows how vital it is for people to escape from dictators like Napoleon.