The Hairy Ape · Characters
Character guide
Key figures in The Hairy Ape by Eugene O’Neill.
Yank
major
Also known as Yank Again, Yank Fiercely, Yank Naw, Yank Reaching, Yank Confused, Yank Disappointed, Yank Aroused, Yank Aw, Yank Who, Yank Dynamite, Yank Sure
A brutish, proud stoker on a transatlantic liner who clashes with society and seeks belonging.
Paddy
supporting
Also known as Paddy Who, Paddy
An older, philosophical Irish stoker who laments the loss of the old days at sea.
Long
supporting
Also known as Long Very drunk, Long
A socialist-leaning stoker who tries to politicize Yank's anger.
Mildred Douglas
supporting
Also known as Mildred, Mildred Protesting, Douglas, Miss Douglas
A wealthy, sheltered young woman whose encounter with Yank sparks his crisis.
Aunt
minor
Also known as Aunt
Mildred's cynical, aristocratic aunt who accompanies her on the ship.
Second Engineer
minor
Also known as Second Engineer Miss Douglas, Second Engineer
The ship's officer who escorts Mildred to the stokehole.
Secretary
minor
Also known as Secretary Sarcastically, Secretary Sharply
The officious secretary of the I.W.W. local who interviews Yank.
Policeman
minor
Also known as Policeman Jocosely
A New York cop who arrests Yank after a street confrontation.
Pinkerton
minor
Also known as Pinkerton
A detective who guards the millionaire's home and mocks Yank.
Whiskey Johnny
minor
Also known as Whiskey, Johnny
A drunken sailor Yank meets in a bar on the waterfront.
Rodin
minor
Also known as Rodin
A sculptor mentioned in a passing allusion, not a living character.
Voices
minor
Also known as Voices Dear Doctor Caiaphas
Unseen crowd voices in the prison scene, not a distinct character.