Blood Brothers Play Guide for AQA GCSE Drama

COMPONENT 1 UNDERSTANDING DRAMA 28 Key characters You will need to demonstrate that you understand the characters in the play, including the different ways they could be interpreted and performed. The descriptions below summarise the main characters in Blood Brothers . MRS JOHNSTONE • Working-class single mother. • Works as a cleaner for Mrs Lyons. • Expecting twins; afraid she won’t be able to cope. • Agrees to give up one of her twins, but regrets the decision. • Raises Mickey, Sammy and her other children. • Could be considered to be the play’s protagonist . SAMMY • Mickey’s older brother and the leader of their childhood gang. • Bullies Mickey and misbehaves. • As a teenager, begins committing crimes, including robbing a bus conductor. • Convinces Mickey to take part in a robbery with him, where a man is shot. • Mickey and he are sent to prison. MICKEY • The twin kept by Mrs Johnstone. • At seven, a lively, friendly boy who is bullied by Sammy. • Protected by his friend Linda. • Meets Edward and becomes his friend; doesn’t know they are twins. • At 14, an awkward teenager, uninterested in school. • Attracted to Linda, but unable to express his feelings. • Friendship with Edward is important to him. • After marrying Linda, he loses his job and is persuaded to commit a crime. • After leaving prison, he is depressed and addicted to pills. LINDA • At seven, a confident girl, who is protective of Mickey. • Unafraid to confront Sammy when he bullies Mickey. • At 14, declares her love for Mickey and tries to get him to respond. • Enjoys spending her teenage summers with Mickey and Edward. • Linda is the love interest for both of the boys.