# VII explained — The Informer

> Chapter companion for The Informer by Liam O’Flaherty.

## What happens

Gallagher confronts Gypo about his expulsion from the Organization. Gypo deflects blame by falsely accusing the Rat Mulligan of informing on Frankie McPhillip. Meanwhile, Gallagher visits the McPhillip home, where he comforts Mrs. McPhillip and later speaks privately with Mary, proposing she take her brother's place in the Organization amid a tense, charged encounter.

## Themes in this chapter

### Betrayal and Its Consequences

Gypo falsely accuses the Rat Mulligan of informing, highlighting the paranoia and moral decay surrounding betrayal.

### Guilt and Paranoia

Gypo's fabrications and the tense atmosphere reflect his guilt and the pervasive suspicion within the group.

### Loyalty and Comradeship

Gallagher's call for Mary to join the Organization underscores the theme of loyalty to the cause and the bonds of comradeship.

## Character check-ins

### Gypo Nolan

Confronted by Gallagher; falsely accuses the Rat Mulligan of informing.

### Commandant Dan Gallagher

Leads the confrontation with Gypo; later visits the McPhillip home and speaks privately with Mary.

### Bartly Mulholland

Present during Gallagher's confrontation with Gypo.

### Tommy Connor

Present during Gallagher's confrontation with Gypo.

### Mary McPhillip

Interacts with Gallagher in a tense, intimate scene; he asks her to join the Organization.

### Mrs. McPhillip

Grieving mother visited by Gallagher.

## Key lines

> Well, Gypo,' drawled Gallagher, in the irritating, contemptuous tone that he affected. 'Ye don't seem glad to see me.'

Gallagher greeted Gypo with a mocking tone, noting his lack of enthusiasm.

_Gallagher's condescending attitude sets the tone for the confrontation._

> I'll tell ye who informed,' he gasped. 'It's the Rat Mulligan. It's him as sure as Christ was crucified.'

Gypo suddenly accused the Rat Mulligan of being the informer.

_Gypo deflects blame by inventing a false accusation._

> I want you to revenge your brother,' said Gallagher suddenly, as if he had obeyed an unforeseen impulse and broached an unexpected subject, with which his mind had hitherto only toyed nervously.

Gallagher urged Mary to avenge her brother's death.

_Gallagher's proposal to Mary intertwines personal grief with revolutionary duty._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_informer_se/chapters/vii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_informer_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_informer_se/chapters