# XVIII explained — The Informer

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

## What happens

Gypo Nolan, wounded and pursued, escapes from his attackers after a violent struggle on the stairs. He makes his way to a church, where he confesses to Mrs. McPhillip that he informed on her son Frankie. She forgives him, and he dies in the church, feeling a sense of peace.

## Themes in this chapter

### Guilt and Paranoia

Gypo's nightmare and the ambush highlight his guilt and the paranoid atmosphere of being hunted.

### Betrayal and Its Consequences

Gypo's confession to Mrs. McPhillip and his death underscore the ultimate cost of his betrayal.

### Violence and Revolution

The ambush, gunfire, and physical struggle illustrate the violent reality of the revolutionary period.

## Character check-ins

### Gypo Nolan

Wounded and dying, Gypo confesses to Mrs. McPhillip and seeks forgiveness before collapsing in the church.

### Mrs. McPhillip

Forgives Gypo for informing on her son Frankie as he lies dying in the church.

### Commandant Dan Gallagher

Seen by Gypo standing outside the church, smiling insolently, and later turning away.

### Bartly Mulholland

One of the attackers who ambushes Gypo in the lodging house; struggles with Gypo on the stairs.

### Comrade Hackett

Participates in the ambush of Gypo in the lodging house.

### Comrade Curley

Third attacker in the ambush; fires a shot unintentionally during the struggle.

## Key lines

> Mrs. McPhillip, 'twas I informed on yer son Frankie. Forgive me. I'm dyin'.

Gypo confesses to Mrs. McPhillip that he betrayed her son and asks for forgiveness as he is dying.

_This is the climax of Gypo's guilt and his plea for absolution._

> I forgive ye. Ye didn't know what ye were doin'.

Mrs. McPhillip forgives Gypo, acknowledging his ignorance.

_Her forgiveness provides Gypo with a sense of peace before his death._

## Links

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