ABSTRACT
Representation theory is the study of the various ways a given group can be mapped into a general linear group. This information has proven to be effective at providing insight into the structure of the given group as well as the objects on which the group acts. Most notable is the central contribution made by representation theory to the complete classification of finite simple groups [Gor94]. (See also Fact 3 of Section 68.1 and Fact 5 of Section 68.6.)
