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ANALYSIS OF MAJOR CHARACTERS

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Billy Deman

Billy Deman is the main character in the film.He has suffered years of neglect and abuse and is therefore extremely troubled. He moves to Brighton to distance himself from the torment he has experienced at home.He is fairly shy and reserved, and is untrustworthy of anyone that he meets yet he seeks companionship in the loneliness of the dark streets.

Age: 17 years old.Clothing: Quite scruffy. Often wears a hoody with baggy jeans.Likes: Playing football and his dog.Dislikes: School and any form of formal education.

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Dennis Vander-TrampAge: 63Appearance: Long, unkempt hair. Weary and worn.Clothing: Old denim jacket, scuffed up boots and ripped trousers.

Dennis is a disillusioned ex-professor. When he lost his son to cancer he reverted to alcoholism, subsequently losing his job and family. Because he was made redundant, he could not afford to pay rent anywhere as all his benefits was spent on his alcohol habit. Because of the loss of his son, he feels the innate paternal need to nurture and care for Billy.He is highly intelligent yet confused by his own sensuality and morality.

Similar to ‘Frank’ in Educating Rita and also ‘Reverend Casey’ in The Grapes of Wrath.

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The GangThe gang members conform to the stereotype of the British working class ‘chav’. During the film, they walk the streets reaping havoc and are the faces behind the bitter ending of the film. Because these characters do not develop in the same way as the protagonist does, the audience forms a detached and negative relationship with them.

The core gang is formed of roughly five members that the audience is properly introduced to. They are all around 19 years old and unemployed, apart from the youngest one, who cares for his disabled mother and has a daytime job at a launderette. He is the more down to earth and moral voice of the group, yet his passiveness pacifies these positive qualities.

Names: Dale, Larome, Alex, Jordy and Ollie.

The ring leader of the group is Larome – a loud, aggressive teenager that has been damaged by his troubled past.The gang are clothed in typical ‘gang’ attire: caps, hoodies, jogging bottoms and trainers.

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SETTING IDEAS

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Area: Eastern Road, Brighton

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Area: Brighton Seafront

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Area: By the Stagg Inn, near St. James’ Street