Handy Andy: Analysis of Major Characters
"Handy Andy" is a comedic novel that centers around the life of Andy Rooney, a naïve and mischievous Irish boy who navigates a series of humorous and tumultuous events. As the story unfolds, Andy inherits his father's estate and title, leading him to Parliament, where he encounters a range of colorful characters. Key figures include his mother, Mrs. Rooney; his cousin and love interest, Oonah; and Squire Edward Egan, who initially employs him as a stable boy.
The narrative also features political machinations involving characters like Sir Timothy Trimmer, the Honorable Sackville Scatterbrain, and Lord Scatterbrain, who is revealed to be Andy's secret father. Other notable characters such as Murtough Murphy, Edward O'Connor, and Fanny Dawson contribute to the intricate web of relationships marked by love, rivalry, and misunderstandings. Amidst various challenges, including a near duel involving M'Garry and a forced marriage with Bridget, who mistakes Andy for someone else, the story ultimately leads Andy back to Oonah, his true love. Through its lively portrayal of characters and events, "Handy Andy" offers a satirical glimpse into societal norms and personal dilemmas of the time.
Handy Andy: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Samuel Lover
First published: 1842
Genre: Novel
Locale: Ireland
Plot: Love
Time: Nineteenth century
Andy Rooney, a naïve, mischievous Irish boy. Eventually, Andy inherits the estate and the title of his father and goes to Parliament.
Mrs. Rooney, his mother.
Oonah, a cousin of Andy whom he marries.
Squire Edward Egan of Merryvale Hall, who hires Andy as a stable boy.
Mrs. Egan,hiswife.
Murtough Murphy, an attorney and political boss.
Sir Timothy Trimmer, the aging holder of a political office.
The Honorable Sackville Scatterbrain, a candidate for Trimmer's post.
Lord Scatterbrain, Sackville's uncle, the secret father of Andy, who finally acknowledges him.
Squire O'Grady, of Neck-or-Nothing Hall, a supporter of Scatterbrain.
Gustavus O'Grady, his son and heir.
M'Garry, an apothecary who becomes involved in one of Andy's mistakes and almost causes a duel.
Edward O'Connor, a poet and a brave gentleman. He fatally wounds Squire O'Grady in a duel.
Fanny Dawson, who is in love with O'Connor.
Major Dawson, Fanny's father, who dislikes O'Connor.
Mr. Furlong, who is on O'Grady's side. He is forced to marry Augusta.
Augusta, the daughter of Squire O'Grady, innocently involved with Furlong.
Larry Hogan, who tries to blackmail Squire Egan.
Father Phil, Andy's confessor.
James Casey, who fails to turn up for his wedding.
Matty Dwyer, who is in love with Casey.
Jack Dwyer, her father, who will settle for Andy as a son-in-law.
Shan More, to whose cave the kidnapped Andy, disguised as Oonah, is taken.
Bridget, Shan's sister, who takes Andy, disguised as Oonah, to bed with her. The next morning, lamenting her lost honor, she forces Andy to marry her. He is later freed by the discovery that she is already married to a convict. Thus, Andy at last can marry Oonah.