In "A Wrinkle in Time," IT is a central antagonist that represents a powerful, malevolent force. IT is described as a disembodied brain that controls and manipulates individuals, enforcing conformity and suppressing individuality. IT embodies darkness and evil, using coercive power to dominate the minds of others, particularly in the planet Camazotz, where it exerts control over the inhabitants, forcing them to follow strict routines and to behave in unison.
IT's influence symbolizes the dangers of totalitarianism and the loss of personal autonomy. It contrasts sharply with the qualities of love, free will, and creativity that the protagonists, Meg Murry, Charles Wallace, and Calvin O'Keefe, embody as they fight against IT's oppressive control. The struggle against IT emphasizes the importance of individuality and the power of love in overcoming darkness. Ultimately, IT serves as a representation of the fears and challenges that must be confronted in the journey toward self-discovery and personal growth.