Why Is Syme's Disappearance Significant?

Syme's disappearance serves as a prime example of how even your thoughts or your intellectual capacity could make you a target and that the Party can and will "vaporize" you just for showing potential of being a threat, no matter how loyal you may be.

Why is Syme significant?

Syme is a fairly minor character in the novel but nonetheless serves as an important foil to Winston and illuminates an important aspect of the society of 1984. Unlike Winston, Syme is an enthusiastic and loyal party member, avid and vocal in his patriotism.

Who is Syme and why is he important?

An intelligent, outgoing man who works with Winston at the Ministry of Truth. Syme specializes in language. As the novel opens, he is working on a new edition of the Newspeak dictionary. Winston believes Syme is too intelligent to stay in the Party's favor.