Introductory CHARACTER STUDY

Hally in “MASTER HAROLD”… and the Boys

Character introduction

• Before Hally’s entrance: “While Willy sings, Sam launches into the quickstep” (11)

• Light-hearted scenario setup to create a positive mood before the entrance of Hally

• Hally’s entrance: “Bravo! No question about it. First place goes to Mr. Sam Semela” (11)

• The entrance for Hally build on the light-hearted mood showing a happy side of Hally as contrasted to Hally at the end of the play.

Hally’s First Lines“Bravo! No question about it. First place

goes to Mr. Sam Semela” (pg. 11)• Hally comes off as extremely

confident but understanding at the same time.

• Treats Sam and Willie as his equals despite their lower social statuses.

• Caring, tries to understand his friends’ passion for ballroom dancing.

Hally’s Appearance And Behavior Through Stage Direction

• Confident and knows what he wants.

• Large reactions.• Not afraid to express what he

thinks, sometimes sarcastic.

“speaks with total conviction” (pg. 21)

“with conviction” (pg. 14)

“mirthlessly” (pg. 19)

“interrupting”

“conspiratorial whisper” (pg. 12)

Hally’s Appearance And Behavior Through Stage Direction

• Acts extremely thoughtful and intellectual most of the time, as if he is above Sam and Willie.

• However, still makes mistakes.

“mispronounces” (pg. 18)

“after thought” (pg. 18)“correcting him without looking up”

(pg. 19)

“intellectually outraged” (pg. 22) “intrigued” (pg. 26)

Hally’s Appearance And Behavior Through Stage Direction

• Takes out anger at his father onto Willie and Sam.

• Mood shifts as he receives news about his father.

“a world-weary sigh” (pg. 18)

“stopped short by Sam’s remark” (pg. 13)

“mirthlessly” (pg. 19)

“doesn’t respond” (pg. 13)

“his mood has changed” (pg. 13)

Hally’s Appearance And Behavior Through Stage Direction

• Acts cheerful at times, probably to cover his true emotions about his father.

“cheerfully” (pg. 11)

“strutting around proudly” (pg. 26)

“after a delighted laugh” (pg. 26)

“delighted” (pg. 26)

“they laugh together” (pg. 27)“another good laugh” (pg. 27)

Hally’s Appearance And Behavior Through Stage Direction

“Hally deposits his school case and takes off his raincoat. His clothes are a little neglected and untidy: black blazer with a school badge, grey flannel

trousers in need of ironing, khaki shirt and tie, black shoes” (pg. 12)

• Lack of care, probably because his mother is too busy taking care of his father.

• He should present nicely because he has two servants to clean up for him, but still looks messy.

• To a certain degree, he is neglected.

Language & tone

To Sam (& Willie)

• Respect- (acknowledgment)

- Companionship- “I almost wish we were still in that little room” (p35)

• Pride in Teaching -(pedantic tone) “Tolstoy may have educated his peasants, but I’ve educated you.” (p26)

Language & tone

To Father

• Love -(pretense)

“Welcome home chum!” (p53)

• Hatred & Shame -(mockery)

“…but one and a pair of crutches! Hell no, Sam. That’s guaranteed to turn that dance floor into a shambles.” (p56)

Interests & opinions• Atheist

“Don’t Let’s get started on religion.” (p24)

• Precocious

“I am not interested in girls.” (p29)

• Thoughtful

“Don’t confuse historical significance with greatness.” (p21)

• Assertive & arbitrary

“…meaning mentally retarded. You can’t exactly say it challenges the intellect.” (p43)

Hidden Information Through other characters

• Master & Servants “SAM and WILLIE work away as unobtrusively as possible.” (p55)

• The Real “Teaching” “Then don’t complain.” (p38)