In Joseph Heller's "Catch-22," the character Major Major Major becomes a target of fate's cruel humor, beginning with his resemblance to actor Henry Fonda. This resemblance sets the stage for a life filled with ironic misfortunes and practical jokes that haunt him throughout his existence. Major Major is depicted as an unfortunate figure whose life is a series of unfortunate events orchestrated by destiny.

Moreover, the absurdity of his name, Major Major Major, further compounds his predicament. He embodies the idea of being trapped by circumstances beyond one's control, illustrating the overarching theme of the book that often humor and tragedy coexist in a complex narrative about the absurdities of war and life itself.