Final answer:
Charlie's participation in the experiment drives the action of 'Flowers for Algernon' by transforming him from a mentally challenged individual to an intellectually gifted person, leading to a series of events that shape the plot.
Step-by-step explanation:
Charlie's participation in the experiment propels the action of 'Flowers for Algernon' by driving the narrative forward and serving as a catalyst for change. At the beginning of the story, Charlie is a mentally challenged individual who undergoes an experimental procedure to increase his intelligence. As the experiment progresses, Charlie's intelligence starts to rapidly increase, allowing him to understand and experience the world in new and profound ways. This transformation sets in motion a series of events that shape the plot of the story.
Charlie's participation in the experiment not only serves as the central focus of the narrative, but it also allows the reader to explore important themes such as the nature of intelligence, the consequences of scientific advancement, and the treatment of individuals with disabilities. Charlie's journey from ignorance to knowledge, and the subsequent challenges he faces, drive the story's action and provide the reader with a thought-provoking exploration of the human condition.