Page 1: Character Analysis of Tommy
This page provides a detailed characterization of Tommy, a minor but significant character in "A Prayer for Blue Delaney".
Tommy Cassidy, a 13-year-old boy from Belfast, Ireland, becomes Colm's close friend and blood brother. The author describes Tommy as dominant and a natural leader, with distinctive white-blond hair and a tall stature. Their friendship begins when Colm saves Tommy's life on the ship to Australia.
Tommy's character is marked by:
- A strong desire for freedom
- Protective instincts towards Colm
- Confidence and anxiety
- Desperation to escape the orphanage's harsh conditions
Highlight: Tommy's biggest dream is freedom and to leave the orphanage because the brothers treat them very badly and beat them up.
The page concludes with Tommy's tragic fate, as he runs away from the orphanage to escape punishment and reportedly dies in an accident.
Quote: "Tommy protects Colm because of the dangerous situation in the orphanage."