Dystopian novel group analysis

Pattern: Winston is constantly living in fear. He always comments on how any kind of action that seemed to radical as a folly and dangerous. He always sees certain things as follies, and yet he commits them anyway, such as the writing in his journal, or going off to see Julia. He is not supposed to do the things that he does any way as well, for it is against the views of Big Brother, so his death or torture is a real possibillity. "He could not help feeling a twinge of panic. It was adbursd, since the writing of those particular words was not more dangerous than the initial act of opening the diar; but for a moment he was tempted to tear out the spoiled pages and abandon the enterprise all together" (Orwell 19)

Why does Orwell use a character who lives in fear rather than a courageous hero? What message is Orwell trying to say by using a weak protagonist? What significance is there about the journal or Julia.

Orwell uses Winston to show that even those who live in fear of another can rise up and challenge authority with the right catalyst.