Deirdre: Analysis of Major Characters
The analysis of major characters in the tale of Deirdre offers a rich exploration of the complex dynamics and themes within this poignant narrative. Central to the story is Deirdre, a beautiful young woman whose destiny is marred by a prophecy that foretells destruction for Ulster. Raised as a ward by Conachur mac Nessa, the king of Ulster, she becomes the object of his desire despite the ominous prediction surrounding her. Conachur's character is portrayed as strong and prideful, ultimately leading him to ignore the foreboding prophecy and pursue Deirdre, reflecting themes of ambition and the consequences of defiance against fate.
Supporting characters such as Nessa, Deirdre's mother, and Fergus mac Roy, the former king who abdicates for Nessa's love, add layers to the narrative, showcasing themes of love, betrayal, and vengeance. Deirdre’s love interest, Naoise, and his brothers, who tragically fall victim to Conachur’s treachery, deepen the tragedy that unfolds. The figure of Lavarcham, Deirdre's nurse, illustrates the tension between duty and personal desire as she attempts to guide Deirdre toward royalty. The relationships and motivations of these characters, including Maeve's complex role as Conachur's wife and adversary, drive the story towards its heart-wrenching conclusion. Overall, the character analysis reveals the intertwining of fate, love, and the tragic consequences of human actions in this timeless tale.
Deirdre: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: James Stephens
First published: 1923
Genre: Novel
Locale: Ireland
Plot: Folklore
Time: The Heroic Age
Conachur mac Nessa, king of Ulster, strong and willful, beloved by his people. Pride forces him to ignore a prophecy that the infant Deirdre will bring destruction upon Ulster. She is brought up as his ward. Seeing her, he determines to make her his queen. After her escape to Scotland, he resorts to treachery in an attempt to lure her back.
Nessa, the Ungentle, the mother of Conachur. Daughter of a king of Ulster, she was called Assa, the Gentle, until she set forth to seek vengeance on the murderer of her tutors.
Cathfa, a magician, Conachur's father. He forces Nessa to marry him as an alternative to death, but she later leaves him. It is he who makes the direful prophecy about Deirdre.
Fergus mac Roy, king of Ulster, who, at eighteen, is so in love with the still-beautiful Nessa that, to get her to marry him, he temporarily abdicates his throne to the sixteen-year-old Conachur. The abdication proves permanent, and Fergus becomes one of Conachur's most trusted followers.
Clothru, the daughter of the high king of Connacht, and Conachur's first wife. She is killed by her sister Maeve.
Maeve, the sister of Clothru. Claiming to avenge Clothru's death, Conachur instead falls in love with Maeve and marries her against her wishes. Much later, when she leaves him, her unforgiveness is such that she goes to great lengths to take back every bit of the riches she brought with her.
Deirdre, Conachur's ward, brought up to see only women servants and the ugliest guards in Ulster. Evading them, however, she finds three youths around a campfire. She falls in love with the eldest and, to escape Conachur, persuades them to take her away. Brought back from Scotland by Conachur's pretense of friendship and promise of safety, she escapes him again in death.
Lavarcham, Conachur's conversation-woman. In charge of Deirdre's upbringing, she decides to groom her to be queen. She reports on Deirdre to Conachur and in turn tells Deirdre all she needs to know about the king, but she cannot succeed in making Deirdre want him as a husband.
Naoise, who is a brave and handsome youth of nineteen when first seen by Deirdre. She loves him and lives six years with him and his brothers in Scotland. Tricked into returning with her, he is killed.
Ainnle and Ardan, Naoise's brothers, also killed as a result of Conachur's treachery.
Felimid mac Dall, Conachur's storyteller and Deirdre's father.
Uisneac, Conachur's brother-in-law and father of Naoise, Ainnle, and Ardan.
mac Roth, Maeve's spy, who makes possible her secret preparations to leave Conachur.