Character

Characters in Blood Brothers

In a novel, a writer can use description to create characters, but in a play, like Blood Brothers, the writer must rely on convincing dialogue to show each character’s personality.

Edward and Mickey's dialogue as children

Edward and Mickey use simple sentences and have very limited vocabulary.
There are, however, some differences between the way the two seven year olds speak. Edward speaks in complete sentences, while Mickey uses broken sentences like “cos me mam says.”
These differences highlight the fact that, even at the age of seven, different experiences of social class and education have created noticeable differences in the way the two children communicate.

Mrs. Johnstone vs Mrs. Lyons

Differences between the mothers are seen when they admire Edward:
- Mrs. Lyons uses a tone which is aggressive and forceful, as seen by the phrase “I shall…”, while her question, “all right?”, at the end seems confrontational.
Mrs. Johnstone, on the other hand, acknowledges her place beneath Mrs. Lyons in the social hierarchy and is therefore timid and apologetic in her response.

Voice in Blood Brothers

Russell uses language to develop realistic characters, carefully choosing the right type of vocabulary for each character.

Edward's voice

Edward's voice starkly contrasts with Mickey and Linda's.
- Edward uses phrases like “super fun” (Act One), “smashing” (Act One) and “fabulous” (Act Two).
- This is the kind of vocabulary that immediately identifies Edward as, in the words of Sammy, a “friggin’ poshy” (Act One).
- Russell has therefore given Edward a voice that makes his social class very clear to the audience, but also reveals his childish enthusiasm, again setting him apart from the other characters.

The Narrator's voice

Russell has also given the Narrator a very distinctive voice. This gives the Narrator the power to change the mood and create the sinister and foreboding atmosphere of the play when he makes his appearances on stage.

The Narrator bearing bad news

When the scene showing Mickey, Edward and Linda’s carefree youth is finishing, the Narrator says:
- “It was one day in October when the sun began to fade, / And winter broke the promise that the summer had just made.” (Act Two).
Using this metaphor Russell suggests to the audience that the mood is about to change from happy and optimistic to dark and sorrowful. Later, Mickey is made redundant and his life begins its downward spiral.

1Context & Author

1.1Context

1.1.1Setting

1.1.2Political Background

1.1.3Education & Work

1.1.4Marilyn Monroe & Pop Culture

1.1.5Family

1.2Author

1.2.1Willy Russell

1.2.2End of Topic Test - Context & Author

2Plot

2.1Act One

2.1.1Overview: Introduction to Mrs Johnstone & Lyons

2.1.2Analysis: Introduction to Mrs. Johnston and Lyons

2.1.3Overview: The Birth of Mickey & Edward

2.1.4Analysis: The Birth of Mickey & Edward

2.1.5Overview: Mickey Playing at Home

2.1.6Overview: Mickey & Edward as Seven-year-olds

2.1.7Analysis: Mickey & Edward as Seven-year-olds

2.1.8Overview: Mickey & Edward as Seven-year-olds 2

2.1.9Analysis: Mickey & Edward as Seven-year-olds 2

2.1.10End of Topic Test - Act One

2.1.11End of Topic Test - Act One 2

2.2Act Two

2.2.1Overview: Mickey & Edward as Teenagers

2.2.2Analysis: Mickey & Edward as Teenagers

2.2.3Overview: Mickey & Edward as Teenagers 2

2.2.4Analysis: Mickey & Edward as Teenagers 2

2.2.5Overview: Mickey & Edward as Teenagers 3

2.2.6Analysis: Mickey & Edward as Teenagers 3

2.2.7Overview: Mickey & Edward as Adults

2.2.8Analysis: Mickey & Edward as Adults

2.2.9End of Topic Test - Act Two

2.2.10End of Topic Test - Act Two 2

3Characters

3.1Mickey

3.1.1Mickey

3.1.2Mickey as a Damaged Adult

3.2Edward

3.2.1Edward

3.2.2Edward 2

3.2.3End of Topic Test - Mickey & Edward

3.3Linda

3.3.1Linda

3.3.2Linda 2

3.4Mrs Johnstone

3.4.1Mrs Johnstone

3.4.2Mrs Johnstone 2

3.5Mrs Lyons

3.5.1Mrs Lyons

3.5.2Mrs Lyons 2

3.5.3End of Topic Test - Linda & Mothers

3.6Mr Lyons

3.6.1Mr Lyons

3.7Sammy

3.7.1Sammy

3.8The Narrator

3.8.1The Narrator

3.9Minor

3.9.1Minor Characters

3.9.2End of Topic Test - Other Characters

3.10End of Topic Sessions

3.10.1Grade 9 - Key Characters

4Themes

4.1Parents & Children

4.1.1Parents & Children

4.2Growing Up

4.2.1Growing Up

4.3Friendship & Brotherhood

4.3.1Friendship & Brotherhood

4.3.2End of Topic Test - Parents, Growing Up, Friends

4.4Fate & Superstition

4.4.1Fate & Superstition

4.5Nature vs. Nurture

4.5.1Nature vs. Nurture

4.6Social Class

4.6.1Social Class

4.6.2End of Topic Test - Fate, Upbringing & Class

5Literary Techniques

5.1Structure

5.1.1Structure

5.2Tragedy

5.2.1Tragedy

5.3Dramatic Irony

5.3.1Dramatic Irony

5.4Imagery

5.4.1Imagery

5.5Character & Voice

5.5.1Character

5.6Music & Lyrics

5.6.1Music & Lyrics

5.7Accent & Dialect

5.7.1Accent & Dialect

5.7.2End of Topic Test - Literary Techniques

5.7.3End of Topic Test - Literary Techniques 2

Jump to other topics