Primary Characters in "Master Harold" ... and the boys
Hally (Harold Ballard)
The 17-year-old white South African protagonist whose complex relationships and internal conflicts drive the play's narrative.
NoteHally's character represents the younger generation of whites during apartheid, caught between personal relationships and systemic racism.
Key characteristics:
- Intelligent and well-read but emotionally immature
- Struggles with his relationship with his alcoholic father
- Shows both affection and racial prejudice towards Sam and Willie
- Uses his education as a form of superiority
"You're only a servant in here, and don't forget it."
This pivotal line reveals how quickly Hally can shift from treating Sam as a father figure to asserting racial superiority when feeling vulnerable.
Sam Semela
The more experienced of the two Black servants, Sam serves as both employee and surrogate father figure to Hally.
Key characteristics:
- Wise and patient mentor figure
- Skilled ballroom dancer
- Shows remarkable dignity in the face of racism
