OCR GCSE Drama

31 At first, a kindly, if absent, husband. He is reluctant to fire Mrs Johnstone and he plays affectionately with Edward. To help his family, particularly his wife, he agrees to move to the countryside. However, he is shown firing his employees with little feeling, saying it is ‘just another sign of the times’. Mrs Johnstone’s employer. Initially, they have a pleasant relationship. Mrs Lyons convinces Mrs Johnstone to give her one of her twins. She becomes increasingly worried about Mrs Johnstone coming between her and Edward, and fires Mrs Johnstone. Her mental health deteriorates and she attacks Mrs Johnstone. She tells Mickey about Edward and Linda’s meetings, leading to the deaths of the two men. Mrs Lyons Mr Lyons Mickey is the twin that Mrs Johnstone keeps. At seven, he is a lively, friendly boy who is sometimes teased and bullied, particularly by Sammy. At 14, he is an awkward teenager, uninterested in school. He is attracted to Linda, but is unable to express his feelings. His friendship with Edward is important and Edward encourages him to let Linda know how he feels. He marries Linda, but loses his job and commits a crime. After leaving prison, he is almost unrecognisable due to depression and addiction. A mysterious figure. He comments on the action and reminds the audience that there are ‘debts to pay’ and there will be a ‘reckoning day’. Mickey Mickey’s wild, older brother, the leader of their childhood gang. Sammy’s misbehaviour grows into crimes by the time he is 16, including stealing from a bus conductor. A few years later, he involves Mickey in a robbery, during which a man is shot. Sammy Narrator Choose a key line from the play for each character. Explain its importance in understanding the character and how it could be delivered by the actor. What physical and vocal skills would be most effective? TASK 3.7 A working-class single mother. At the beginning of the play, she has seven children and is a cleaner for Mrs Lyons. When she finds out she is expecting twins, she is afraid she won’t manage and social services will take her children. She agrees to give up one of her twins, but quickly regrets this. Although the Narrator describes her as ‘so cruel’, she is shown to be warm and affectionate. Mrs Johnstone Edward Edward is the twin raised by the Lyons. At seven, he is well-spoken and friendly, eager to make new friends. At 14, he has been to boarding school. His friendship with Mickey gives him freedom and adventure, as well as introducing him to Linda. On return from university, his new friends and interests are very different from the problems facing Mickey. He becomes a local councillor, and begins a relationship with Linda. At seven, Linda is a confident girl, and protective of Mickey. She isn’t afraid to confront Sammy or to shoot an airgun with the boys. At 14, she declares her love for Mickey, but he doesn’t respond. When Mickey eventually asks her out, their relationship moves quickly. She becomes pregnant and they marry. When Mickey returns from prison, Edward helps them to get a house and a job for Mickey. She begins secretly seeing Edward. Linda bLOOD bROTHERS