Edward Lyons Character Profile

Edward Lyons presents a stark contrast to Mickey from their first meeting. His neat, pressed clothing - grey shorts, white shirt, knitted vest - represents his privileged upbringing.

Highlight: Edward's pristine appearance visually distinguishes him from Mickey.

As a child, Edward is innocent and sheltered, fascinated by Mickey's different way of speaking and behaving.

Quote: "Pissed off, you say spiffing things don't you."

Edward's physicality is more restrained than Mickey's. He stands straight with hands clasped behind his back. His voice is high-pitched and quiet, reflecting his sheltered nature.

Example: Edward's formal posture and speech patterns illustrate his upper-class upbringing.

When Edward returns from university, his costume evolves to reflect his continued privilege - black trousers, patterned vest, leather boots. This contrasts sharply with Mickey's increasingly disheveled appearance.

Highlight: The growing visual disparity between Edward and Mickey's appearances symbolizes their diverging life paths.

Edward's character arc explores how social class shapes opportunities and relationships. His friendship with Mickey becomes strained by their different circumstances, leading to the play's tragic conclusion.

Key Scenes and Quotes in Blood Brothers

Blood Brothers key quotes and analysis provide insight into the play's themes and character development. Several pivotal scenes shape the narrative and relationships between characters.

1. Mickey and Edward's First Meeting This scene establishes the boys' contrasting backgrounds and instant connection.

Quote: "Do you want to be my best friend?" - Edward to Mickey

This line highlights Edward's loneliness and eagerness for companionship, despite social differences.

2. Mickey Losing His Job This scene marks a turning point in Mickey's life and his relationship with Edward.

Quote: "Well how come you got everything and I got nothing?" - Mickey to Edward

Mickey's growing resentment and awareness of social inequality are evident in this confrontation.

3. The Final Shootout The play's climactic scene brings the themes of fate and class division to a tragic conclusion.

Quote: "I could've been him." - Mickey

This poignant line encapsulates the play's exploration of nature versus nurture and the impact of social circumstances on individual lives.

Highlight: Blood Brothers quotes often reflect themes of friendship, social class, and destiny.

Blood Brothers friendship quotes demonstrate the strong bond between Mickey and Edward, while Blood Brothers violence quotes in the final scene reveal how their relationship ultimately unravels.

Mickey Johnstone Character Analysis

Mickey Johnstone is one of the central characters in Blood Brothers. As a child, Mickey is energetic, mischievous and loyal. His costume reflects his poor background - tattered shorts, holey socks, and worn-out shoes.

Highlight: Mickey's shabby clothing visually represents his working-class upbringing.

When first meeting Edward, Mickey is excited and quickly accepts him as a best friend, demonstrating his open and trusting nature.

Quote: "See that means we're blood brothers, an' that means we always have to stand by each other."

Mickey's physicality as a child is animated and restless. He squats instead of sitting, flops his head from side to side, and scampers rather than walks. His voice ranges from low and intimidating to loud and enthusiastic.

As an adult, after losing his job, Mickey's demeanor changes dramatically. His costume becomes more disheveled - stained vest, untied shoes. He feels his relationship with Edward faltering due to their growing differences.

Highlight: Mickey's changing appearance and attitude reflect his disillusionment as an adult.

Mickey's body language becomes hunched and defeated. His voice is weak and quiet, showing his loss of confidence. In the final scene, Mickey reaches his breaking point, feeling betrayed by everyone.

Quote: "I thought I was gonna shoot ya'. But I can't even do that."

His wide-eyed, shaking performance in this climactic moment conveys his mental instability and desperation.