Blood Brothers: Characters

Key Characters in Blood Brothers

1. Mrs. Johnstone
2. Mrs. Lyons
3. Mickey Johnstone
4. Edward (Eddie) Lyons
5. Linda
6. Sammy Johnstone
7. The Narrator

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Mrs Johnstone

Quote: "By the time I was twenty-five, I looked like forty-two, with seven hungry mouths to feed and one more nearly due."

Analysis: This quote reflects the harsh realities of Mrs Johnstone's life, characterised by poverty and exhaustion. Her early reference to ageing prematurely underscores the toll that financial hardship and the pressures of raising a large family have taken on her. Mrs Johnstone embodies the struggles of the working class, and her decision to give up one of her twins is rooted in desperation rather than choice. Willy Russell uses her character to evoke sympathy from the audience and to critique the societal conditions that force such difficult decisions.

Quote: "They say that if either twin learns that he was once a pair, they shall both immediately die."

Analysis: Mrs Johnstone's superstitious nature is a critical aspect of her character, influencing her decisions throughout the play. This belief in the curse foreshadows the tragic ending and reflects the fatalistic outlook imposed on her by a life of poverty and limited education. Russell uses this superstition to explore themes of fate and inevitability, suggesting that the working class is often trapped by circumstances beyond their control.

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Mrs. Lyons

Quote: "You won't tell anyone about this, Mrs. Johnstone, because if you do, you will kill them."

Analysis: Mrs Lyons manipulates Mrs Johnstone's superstitions to secure the adoption of one of her twins, demonstrating her cunning and desperation. This moment highlights Mrs. Lyons' moral decline as she succumbs to fear and guilt, ultimately leading to her paranoia. Her use of manipulation also reflects the power dynamics between the classes; she exploits Mrs. Johnstone's vulnerabilities to get what she wants, but this act also sets the stage for her eventual breakdown.

Quote: "I curse you. Witch!"

Analysis: Mrs. Lyons' descent into madness is encapsulated in this outburst. Her increasing paranoia and guilt lead her to irrational behaviour, lashing out at Mrs Johnstone in a desperate attempt to shift the blame for her own actions. This curse is a reversal of roles, as Mrs Lyons, once in a position of power, now feels threatened and powerless. Russell uses her character to illustrate how guilt and fear can corrupt, even those who initially seem morally upright.

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Mickey Johnstone

Quote: "I wish I was our Sammy."

Analysis: Mickey's admiration for his older brother Sammy reflects his longing for a sense of power and freedom that he perceives Sammy to possess. This desire foreshadows Mickey's later involvement in crime, as he attempts to assert control over his life in a world that offers him few opportunities. Russell uses Mickey's character to explore themes of envy and the impact of social environment on individual choices, highlighting how the working class often feels trapped by their circumstances.

Quote: "How come you got everything … an' I got nothin'?"

Analysis: This quote, from the confrontation between Mickey and Edward, encapsulates the central conflict of the play. Mickey's resentment towards Edward, who has had a life of privilege, reveals the deep sense of injustice he feels. It reflects the theme of social inequality and the impact of class on the characters' lives. Russell uses this moment to highlight how societal structures can create divisions even between those who are intrinsically connected, like the twins.

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Edward (Eddie) Lyons

Quote: "Why is a job so important? If I couldn't get a job I'd just say, sod it and draw the dole, live like a bohemian."

Analysis: Edward's naive remark underscores the gulf between his sheltered, privileged upbringing and Mickey's harsh reality. Edward's lack of understanding about the importance of a job to someone like Mickey highlights the differences in their social classes. Russell uses Edward's innocence to critique how privilege can blind individuals to the struggles of those less fortunate, reinforcing the theme of class disparity.

Quote: "I thought I was going to shoot you. But I can't even do that."

Analysis: In the final scene, Edward's vulnerability and powerlessness are exposed. Despite his privileged upbringing, he is ultimately just as trapped by the situation as Mickey is. This moment of despair illustrates the inevitability of the play's tragic conclusion, driven by forces beyond the characters' control. Russell uses Edward's character to show that even those who seem to have everything are not immune to the destructive consequences of social inequality.

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Linda

Quote: "I get depressed, but I don't take those. You're just gettin' soft, Mick."

Analysis: Linda's observation of Mickey's dependency on antidepressants reflects her resilience and the strain that their relationship has endured due to poverty and hardship. Her comment also hints at the emotional distance growing between them as Mickey succumbs to his circumstances. Russell uses Linda's character to explore the impact of social pressures on personal relationships, showing how external forces can erode even the strongest bonds.

Quote: "I love you. But, Mickey, not when you've got them inside you."

Analysis: Linda's confession reveals her deep love for Mickey but also her frustration with his addiction. This moment encapsulates the tragedy of their relationship—Linda's love is unwavering, but she is helpless in the face of Mickey's decline. Russell uses Linda's character to highlight the personal costs of social inequality, showing how it can destroy the lives of those who are most vulnerable.

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Sammy Johnstone

Quote: "I got y' I shot y'. An' y' bloody know I did."

Analysis: Sammy's aggressive behaviour and pride in his criminal actions reflect the dangerous path he has taken, influenced by the lack of opportunities and positive role models in his life. Sammy's descent into crime serves as a warning to Mickey, yet it also illustrates the limited options available to the working class. Russell uses Sammy's character to highlight the destructive effects of poverty and the allure of crime as a means of asserting power.

Quote: "Y' know Mickey, I'm thinkin' of doin' another job."

Analysis: This line shows Sammy's reckless nature and his willingness to involve Mickey in his criminal activities, foreshadowing Mickey's eventual downfall. Sammy's influence on Mickey highlights the theme of how negative role models can lead individuals down destructive paths. Russell uses Sammy's character to explore the cyclical nature of poverty and crime, showing how one generation's actions can impact the next.

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The Narrator

Quote: "And do we blame superstition for what came to pass? Or could it be what we, the English, have come to know as class?"

Analysis: The Narrator's question directly addresses the audience, challenging them to consider the root causes of the play's tragic events. By contrasting superstition with class, the Narrator suggests that social inequality is the true cause of the tragedy, rather than the characters' beliefs in fate or curses. Russell uses the Narrator to guide the audience's interpretation of the play, emphasising the role of class as the driving force behind the characters' fates.

Quote: "There's a pact been sealed, there's a deal been born."

Analysis: The Narrator's ominous tone here foreshadows the tragic events that will unfold as a result of Mrs. Johnstone and Mrs. Lyons' agreement. The "pact" and "deal" suggest that the characters' fates are sealed from this moment, introducing the theme of inevitability. Russell uses the Narrator to maintain a sense of foreboding throughout the play, reminding the audience of the inescapable consequences of the characters' actions.