Fences is a 1983
play by American
playwright,
August Wilson. Set in the 1950s, it is the sixth in Wilson's ten-part
Pittsburgh Cycle. Like all of the
Pittsburgh plays,
Fences explores the evolving
African-American experience and examines
race relations, among other themes. The play earned Wilson the 1987
Pulitzer Prize for Drama and a
Tony Award for Best Actor for
James Earl Jones.
Characters
- Troy Maxson
- The main character of the play. Married to Rose. Has three children
- Jim Bono
- Troy's best friend and obvious "follower" in their friendship, but is very committed to him.
- Rose Maxson
- Troy's wife of 18 years, and the mother of Troy's second son, Cory.She is also very faithful and puts much trust in Troy.
- Cory Maxson
- Troy's son who, against his father's wishes, plays football and temporarily leaves his job during the football season, infuriating his father.
- Gabriel
- Troy's brother who received a substantial head wound in World War II from shrapnel. He is now insane, believing himself to be the archangel Gabriel. Gabriel receives remuneration from the Army, money which Troy takes and uses to build his house. Gabe is significant in the end when he tries to play his trumpet and fails and then dances.
- Lyons
- Troy's first son who was not mothered by Rose. Troy always has the impression that Lyons only comes around for money.
- Alberta
- A never-seen woman Troy desires. He cheats on Rose with Alberta because it gets him away from his responsibilities. She dies giving birth to Raynell.
- Raynell
- Troy and Alberta's baby. Rose accepts the duty of being Raynell's mother when Alberta dies in childbirth, and Raynell is seen at the end of the play as a happy seven-year-old.
Plot synopsis
The play begins on payday, with Troy and Bono
drinking and talking. Troy's character is revealed through his speech about how he went up to their boss, Mr. Rand, and asked why
black men are not allowed to drive garbage trucks (they are
garbage men). Rose and Lyons join in the conversation. Lyons, a musician, has come to ask for money, confident he will receive it. Troy gives his son a hard time, but eventually gives him the ten dollars requested.
