The Freedom of the City: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Freedom of the City" explores the lives of three major characters—Michael Joseph Hegarty, Elizabeth (Lily) Doherty, and Adrian Casimir Fitzgerald (Skinner)—who find themselves in a precarious situation in a politically charged environment. Michael, a serious and proper young man engaged to be married, possesses a strong belief in civil rights but is wary of radical elements within the movement. Lily, a weary cleaning woman and mother of eleven, reflects resilience and imagination despite her challenging life of poverty; her interactions with the others reveal her capacity for humor and warmth. Skinner, the restless and irreverent young man, offers a contrasting perspective with his keen wit and critical view of the societal structures around them, questioning the motives behind their actions and emphasizing the unfolding drama.
Supporting characters such as Dr. Dobbs, a sociologist, and Liam O’Kelly, a reporter, provide additional context on class and media perspectives, while the Judge represents the British justice system. The Ballad Singer and the unnamed priest contribute cultural and spiritual dimensions, commenting on themes of martyrdom and complicity. Brigadier Johnson-Hansbury embodies the British military authority that looms over the characters, highlighting the tensions between civilians and armed forces in Northern Ireland. The interplay of these characters provides a nuanced examination of personal aspirations, social critique, and the broader implications of the political unrest in their lives.
The Freedom of the City: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Brian Friel
First published: 1974
Genre: Play
Locale: Derry, Northern Ireland
Plot: Social realism
Time: 1970
Michael Joseph Hegarty, an unemployed young man who is engaged to be married and has plans for an education and a career. Twenty-two years old and of average looks and build, he is serious, even humorless. A very proper man, he has a staunch belief in the civil rights movement in Northern Ireland and fears its contamination by radicals and troublemakers. He trusts the British military forces not to use violence without provocation.
Elizabeth (Lily) Doherty, a cleaning woman, wife of a disabled worker, and mother of eleven children. She is physically worn but still shows traces of her youthful good looks. At the age of forty-three, she is sensible but still imaginative, and she joins Skinner in joking and play-acting when they take refuge in the mayor's parlor of the Guildhall. Her squalid life of overcrowded poverty is revealed in contrast with the opulence of the mayor's rooms.
Adrian Casimir Fitzgerald, called Skinner, a restless, keen-witted young man who has no home and often is in trouble with the police. Twenty-one years old and of very lean build, Skinner is the first to realize where they are when he, Lily, and Michael run for shelter. He is also the one who correctly assesses the situation and knows that the military will react violently. Although seemingly irreverent and careless, he is highly concerned with determining meaning and motive, pressing the other characters to explain why they participated in the march. He flirts with Lily and taunts Michael, persistently showing disrespect for the trappings of the mayor's rooms.
Dr. Dobbs, a sociologist who appears at intervals to offer an analysis of the effects of poverty and class. He alternates between making pompous statements and astute observations.
Liam O'Kelly, an Irish television reporter who gives periodic news reports on the action of the play. He presents the official media view of the Irish Republic.
The Judge, a nameless official who conducts the “investigation” that runs parallel to the main action of the play. He is the representative of British justice in Northern Ireland.
Ballad Singer, who appears at intervals to sing (and invite others to join in) impromptu verses composed on the “occupation” of the Guildhall and the deaths of Lily, Michael, and Skinner. The songs are of the traditional romantic and patriotic type, emphasizing martyrdom.
The priest, an unnamed cleric who gives last rites to the victims and sermonizes twice in the play. He vacillates, speaking out against both British authority and Irish militancy.
Brigadier Johnson-Hansbury, who commands the British and local Protestant forces outside the Guildhall and represents the British military presence in Northern Ireland. He is responsible for the shootings and testifies that the victims were armed. His testimony helps create the official version of the incident.