Shadow of a Gunman Character Analysis – Bradley Mallon

Tommy Owens
Tommy is a source of humour in the play, as his over-the-top antics make him very enjoyable to watch on stage. He is said to have had ‘a few drinks already, and although he is not drunk he has had enough to make him very talkative’. He enters the play by interrupting a romantic scene between Davoren and Minnie, which instantly makes the audience feel annoyed by his presence. He believes Davoren is in the IRA, and tries his best to impress Davoren through his patriotic singing of sectarian songs of freedom and war, almost as if he thinks he is auditioning for the IRA. He has poor social etiquette, as he doesn’t understand that Davoren and Minnie are not enjoying his presence, and he bursts into song mid-conversation at random moments. If I were portraying this character I would have him energetically pacing up and down the stage, while gesticulating excessively and passionately along to what he is saying. When he sings I would take of my hat and hold it against my heart in a strong soldiers position, to show my unnecessary patriotism and create humour as my passion would be completely unwarranted.
Mrs. Henderson
Mrs. Henderson is described as being a woman who is larger than life, and also physically larger than everyone else. She is said to ‘dominate the room’ with her confidence and also ‘occupy the whole of it’. Her confident and bombastic nature juxtaposes with the quiet and cowering presence of Mr. Gallogher who follows behind her. It is said that she is ‘dressed poorly yet tidily’, wearing a shawl and a white apron. The fact that she is dressed poorly suggests that she lives in poverty; however the fact that she is dressed tidily shows a desire to be presentable and not poor. She is similar to Davoren in the sense that although she is poor she is keen to rise above her financial position and better herself. On stage I think she would enter first, with her arms outstretched and open wide, showing she is not a closed character and is very confident. I think her voice would be very loud and overpowering, yet not like shouting, just very strongly projected.
Mr. Gallogher
Unlike Mrs. Henderson, Mr. Gallogher is a very introverted character, who is evidently not confident or dominating like Mrs. Henderson. He is described as having a ‘spare little grey beard and a thin, nervous voice’. The adjectives used to describe Mr. Gallogher are very weak and frail, emphasising the vulnerability of Mr. Gallogher. If I was playing the role of Mr. Gallogher I would have very close body language, i.e. cross arms or hands in pockets. I would look down and stand slightly hunched over, as standing straight would suggest confidence and power. I would always stand slightly behind Mrs. Henderson, almost like I am using her as a wall of defence or as a shield from socialising.