Bonecrack: Analysis of Major Characters
"Bonecrack: Analysis of Major Characters" explores the intricate dynamics between several key figures within the racing world, showcasing their varied motivations and relationships. Central to the narrative is Neil Griffon, a 34-year-old financial consultant who steps into the role of head of Rowley Lodge stables after a family crisis. His intelligence and business acumen shine as he navigates conflicts, particularly with Enso Rivera, a wealthy and manipulative father obsessed with making his son Alessandro a jockey at any cost. Alessandro, characterized by his arrogance and naivety, undergoes significant personal growth as he grapples with his father's domineering nature and the consequences of his own actions.
Enso Rivera's megalomania and willingness to resort to violence ultimately lead to tragic outcomes that impact both himself and his son. The narrative also features Neville Griffon, Neil's cold and skeptical father, whose strained relationship with Neil adds depth to the story. Lastly, Etty Craig, the skilled head stable hand, represents the grounding force in the stable, initially loyal to Neville but later recognizing Neil's potential. Together, these characters create a compelling exploration of ambition, familial ties, and the moral complexities within the world of horse racing.
Bonecrack: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Dick Francis
First published: 1971
Genre: Novel
Locale: Newmarket, England
Plot: Social morality
Time: The late 1960's
Neil Griffon, a financial consultant temporarily acting as head of Rowley Lodge stables. At the age of thirty-four, he is attractive and extremely intelligent. He has a highly developed business sense that has allowed him to make a small fortune of his own. He is called on to look after Rowley Lodge stables, where he grew up, after his father is in an automobile accident. His new position puts him in direct confrontation with Enso Rivera, who is obsessed with the idea of having his son Alessandro ride the favorite, Archangel, in the Derby. Despite threats from Enso, including attacks on three horses and having his own collarbone brutally smashed, he manages to avoid giving in to this unreasonable demand. Ultimately, he proves himself a success at managing the stable, and he weans Alessandro away from the insane influence of his father at great personal risk.
Alessandro Rivera, an apprentice jockey. He is young, arrogant, and completely self-centered. He decides almost as a whim that he wants to ride the favorite horse, Archangel, in the Derby, despite the fact that his only experience has been riding in a few amateur races in Europe. By using threats, his father has him taken as an apprentice at the stable where Archangel is trained. He offends everyone at the stable. It is only after his father's thugs destroy two horses that he begins to see that his own actions are unacceptable. Realizing that Alessandro really wants to be a jockey, Neil Griffon is able to teach him to be more human and, in doing so, turns his affections from his insane father. As a result of this shift in affection, Enso takes actions against Griffon that cause the death of another promising horse, his own henchmen, and himself, and ultimately leave Alessandro free to become the outstanding jockey he wants to be.
Enso Rivera, an international fence. He is aging, fat, and, as a result of syphilis, driven by an insane megalomania. Despite being extremely wealthy, he does not spend money when a threat will work as well. He believes that all he has to do is threaten Neil Griffon to ensure that his untrained son will be allowed to ride the favorite horse in the Derby. He is obsessed with the idea of giving his son anything that he wants, no matter what the cost to others. As a result of his obsession, he accidentally sets his own thugs to murder his son: Alessandro is exercising the racehorses, and Enso thinks he is another jockey. He prevents the murder by killing his own men, and in the fight with them, he is killed.
Neville Griffon, Neil's father, the owner of Rowley Lodge stables. At the time of the action, he is hospitalized with a broken leg after an automobile accident. At sixty-seven years of age, he is as cold to his son as he always has been and is convinced that Neil knows nothing about running a stable and will destroy his business. He resents it when Neil makes a success of the racing season, but father and son finally come to an uneasy truce on the subject. He dies suddenly of a pulmonary embolus without ever leaving the hospital.
Etty Craig, the head stable hand at Rowley Lodge. A woman of forty-three, she is the only female head stable hand at Newmarket, and she has held the position for six years. She values horses above humans. It is by using her knowledge and instinct for racing that Neil is able to make a success of the business. At first, she reports everything privately to Neville Griffon, but finally she realizes that Neil knows what he is doing and gives him her full support.