Final answer:
Chief is fascinated by McMurphy's courage and defiance of authority in the psychiatric ward, along with his charismatic nature.
Step-by-step explanation:
The character Chief finds McMurphy fascinating due to his unique courage and attitude towards the oppressive environment of the psychiatric ward in Ken Kesey's novel "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest." McMurphy's charismatic nature and his challenge to authority figures such as Nurse Ratched intrigue the Chief, who has been quietly observing the monotonous and controlled life in the institution.
The Chief is particularly captivated by McMurphy's boldness and his ability to bring a sense of individuality and freedom to the other patients, something that the Chief hadn't seen in a long time.