Secondary Characters in "Master Harold and the Boys"
Willie
Willie, while not as prominently featured as Sam, plays a crucial role in establishing the social dynamics and themes within the play. As the third servant in St. George's Park Tea Room, Willie's character serves multiple dramatic purposes.
NoteWillie's character often provides moments of comic relief, particularly during the ballroom dancing practice scenes, but his presence carries deeper significance.
Key Characteristics:
- Less educated than Sam
- Struggles with dancing and English pronunciation
- Shows a pattern of domestic violence with his girlfriend Hilda
- Represents the broader working-class Black experience in apartheid South Africa
SAM: No, Willie! Quick, quick, slow... not slow, quick, quick! And stop looking at your feet. WILLIE: How can I count and look at feet and remember steps at same time?
This exchange reveals Willie's determination to improve himself despite his struggles, mirroring the larger theme of progress and social mobility.
Hilda
Though never appearing on stage, Hilda's presence is felt through Willie's storyline. Her absence and the reports of Willie's abuse towards her serve as a commentary on cycles of violence and power dynamics.
TipPay attention to how discussions about Hilda reveal broader themes about relationships and power imbalances in the play.
Significance:
- Represents unseen victims of systemic violence
- Her absence creates dramatic tension
- Serves as a parallel to other power dynamics in the play
Mr. Halloran (Hally's Father)
Another unseen but significant character, Mr. Halloran's presence looms over the entire play, particularly in Act Two.
