Characters in 'Fences' by August Wilson

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In the play Fences, which was written by August Wilson, Bono, Gabe, and Alberta are all very important people in Troy’s life. Bono is Troy’s best friend, and through him the reader learns that Troy is a very strong character. Through Gabe, people can see some of the guilt Troy has inside. Alberta helped Troy escape from his problems, and have a few laughs every once in awhile. Each one of these characters tells the reader something different about Troy.

Throughout the years, Bono has always been there for Troy. They have been friends for about eighteen years. Bono never hesitated to tell Troy anything, especially his opinion on Alberta. “I know what Rose means to you, Troy I’m just trying to say I don’t want to see you mess up.” (p.63) Bono’s words show the reader how much he cares about Troy. Bono was always straightforward with Troy. He even said, “That’s right. I know you. I know you got some Uncle Ramus in your blood. You got more stories than the devil got sinners.” (p.13) Much of Troy is shown in Bono because he has been with him through the good times and the bad.

Another character who has helped reveal complexities about Troy is Gabe, Troy’s brother. Gabe has a metal plate in his head; caused by his time in War World II. The government in return gave Gabe monthly checks. The only way Troy was able to pay for his house was through the governments’ money. “That’s the only way I got a roof over my head…Caus...

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