The Norman Conquests: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Norman Conquests" is a trilogy of plays that delves into the complexities of relationships among a group of characters during a weekend in a country house. Central to the narrative is Norman Dewers, an unconventional assistant librarian who, despite his scruffy appearance and unkempt demeanor, possesses a quirky charm and a desire to be loved. His infidelity creates tension, particularly with his career-focused wife, Ruth, who prioritizes her work over their marriage. Ruth, who has chosen not to have children, contrasts sharply with her brother Reg, a laid-back real estate agent who struggles with his own insecurities and becomes obsessive when he suspects Norman may target his wife, Sarah.
Sarah is characterized by her controlling nature, stemming from her nervous disposition, and finds herself increasingly disturbed by Ruth's rejection of motherhood. Meanwhile, Annie, Ruth and Reg's younger sister, feels unfulfilled in her stagnant relationship with Tom, a veterinarian whose literal understanding of life complicates his interactions. The interplay of humor and emotional tension among these characters paints a vivid picture of the challenges of love, fidelity, and family dynamics. Each character's distinct personality contributes to a rich exploration of human relationships, making "The Norman Conquests" a compelling examination of the trials and tribulations that arise in personal connections.
The Norman Conquests: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Alan Ayckbourn
First published: 1975
Genre: Play
Locale: England
Plot: Comedy
Time: The 1970's
Norman Dewers, an assistant librarian. With his scruffy beard, shapeless cap, and ill-fitting suit, Norman always appears slightly unkempt. Convention fits Norman no better than do his clothes. He possesses a wry sense of humor, a benign indifference to the restrictions of work and marriage, and a well-earned reputation for causing trouble, though the problems created by Norman are never the result of malice. Norman truly believes his oft-repeated claim that he is only trying to make people happy. Moreover, Norman is capable of being witty, charming, and attentive. He fails, however, to see that his boundless desire to be loved (as well as his belief that any woman is a potential conquest) can cause friction when he must deal with those who possess more conventional attitudes about fidelity and happiness.
Ruth Dewers, Norman's wife. Ruth is a businesswoman whose career takes priority in her life. Ruth's greatest concern during the weekend in which the play takes place is not Norman's infidelity per se but rather the amount of time that it is taking her away from her work. Ruth can, however, display genuine affection for Norman. She loves him, although the five years of their marriage have left her with few illusions about Norman's ability to be faithful. She no longer expects loyalty from Norman and has long since ceased to be concerned by his indiscretions. Ruth has chosen not to have children. This decision, coupled with her caustic wit, has created tension between her and the other members of her family, including her mother and her sister-in-law, Sarah. Too vain to wear her glasses, Ruth is afflicted with a constant squint, which becomes most pronounced whenever she tries to identify specific objects, even if they are fairly close to her.
Reg, Ruth's brother, a real estate agent. In many ways, Reg is temperamentally the opposite of Ruth. He takes his career so lightly that even his wife, Sarah, wonders how he is able to make a living at it. Moreover, Reg's sense of humor is far less biting. He loves to joke, though his jokes are frequently amusing to himself alone. Reg also believes himself to be a fairly tolerant man of the world and thus does not condemn Norman for his affair with Annie. The air of feigned nonchalance vanishes, however, when Reg suspects that Sarah may be Norman's next conquest. Reg is capable of becoming obsessed with petty details, such as complicated routes designed to shave a few minutes off of one's travel time or rules for board games that are so involved that no one else can understand them. Reg loves to spend hours designing these very games.
Sarah, Reg's wife. Sarah's desire to control every situation results from her attempt to conceal a highly nervous disposition. Lack of harmony upsets Sarah, and she becomes genuinely distraught when things fail to go according to plan. Her one desire is to spend a quiet weekend with her family. When this desire proves to be unattainable, Sarah becomes agitated and overbearing. Sarah is the mother of two children: Denise, age seven, and Vincent, age five. Proud of her role as a parent, Sarah is easily disturbed by Ruth's blithe rejection of motherhood. Sarah's sense that her efforts are not appreciated leaves her open to Norman's flattery, and at least the possibility is raised that Sarah may be Norman's next victim.
Annie, the younger sister of Ruth and Reg. Although not a great beauty, Annie is capable of “making an effort” and thus appearing reasonably attractive. Most of the time, however, Annie feels that such an effort would not be worthwhile. As a result, she is usually seen in a plain and unflattering dress. Annie is tired of Tom's inability to advance their relationship and exhausted by the year that she has spent caring for her invalid mother. She thus agrees to Norman's proposition largely out of boredom, although she considers it unlikely that Norman will carry through with his plans. Annie is attracted by Norman's directness and by the excitement and flattery that he brings to her otherwise dull life.
Tom, Annie's friend, a veterinarian. Although knowledgeable about the care and treatment of animals, Tom is less understanding when it comes to human relationships. Any remark that is subtle or complex is usually beyond Tom's grasp. As a result, Annie thinks that Tom prefers animals to people, although Tom himself suggests that animals are simply easier to understand. Animals, he believes, are never deceptive in their reactions to one another, whereas people rarely, if ever, say what they mean. Tom has difficulty with such a lack of candor. He is overly literal in his interpretations of what people say, and this invariably causes him trouble. Tom is romantically interested in Annie—he is even willing to marry her—but he hesitates in making the first move. Tom's hesitation is attributable partly to his fear of rejection. More important, however, Tom is unwilling to embark on any course that will irretrievably alter their relationship.