Father Flynn Character Analysis

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Father Flynn “What do you do when you’re not sure?” (1.3). In an incredibly powerful play written by John Patrick Shanley, the character of Father Flynn begins his Sunday sermon with these words; words can easily sum up the entire play with their context. Father Flynn is the priest of St. Nichols church and school, in 1964. Flynn is a dynamic member of his school and community. Even taking special time with his students in sports and education. However, Flynn might have a secret that could potentially lead to his demise. Can one woman’s fortitude change the face of a man that appears so sure of everything in life? Father Flynn, is immediately depicted as a godly, yet, down-to-earth, and caring man who wants to bring the dated rules of his church and school up to date with the 1960’s era. Flynn takes a special interest in the youth boys of St. Nichols, spending extra time coaching them in basketball and …show more content…

Divergent to Flynn as a loving and compassionate character, we are introduced to a nun named Sister Aloysius. She is an overbearing, strict, God-fearing woman, who also happens to be the principal at St. Nichols. Sister Aloysius makes a huge impact on the reveal of the true man in Flynn; the man that is veiled behind the cloth. Another nun, Sister James, notices strange behavior from one of the boys after having a private meeting with Father Flynn in the rectory. Sister James alerts Sister Aloysius and they confront Flynn. In their meeting, they accuse him of sexual misconduct with Muller. This changes Flynn’s entire persona. The calm and welcoming man we were introduced to becomes angered, defensive, and even threatening. Flynn immediately starts with a phase of denial toward the accusation. Though, by the end of the play, Flynn seems to lean more toward a state of justification stating, “It’s me that cares about the boy . . . Children need warmth, kindness, understanding!”

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