The Dead by James Joyce -- Characters and Themes

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Characters

  • Gabriel Conroy - The main character of the story. Teacher at a college
  • Kate Morkan (more vivacious) and Julia Morkan (not aware of her environment so much) - Elderly sisters who throw a party during Christmas time. Gabriel's aunts
  • Mary Jane Morkan - Niece of Kate and Julia Morkan.
  • Lily - Maid, insulted by Gabriel Conroy when he asks about her love life.
  • Gretta Conroy - Gabriel's wife.
  • Molly Ivors - Colleague of Gabriel's, very patriotic about Ireland.
  • Mr. Browne - Only Protestant guest at the party.
  • Freddy Malins - A drunk and friend of Gabriel.
  • Bartell D'Arcy - A famous, retired tenor.

Themes

  • Party, dancing, food
  • Propriety
  • Gabriel's self importance
  • Gabriel's self excessive self awareness
  • Irish Politics
  • Singing and playing music
  • Opera
  • Gretta scorns Gabriel


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