A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man
(James Joyce)

Stephen Dedalus

The protagonist of the novel. As a young child, Stephen feels alienated from his classmates and confused by the world around him. He is sent to Catholic boarding school where religion becomes a substantial part of his life. He eventually breaks free of Catholicism, realizing that his true calling in life is the pursuit of beauty and the creation of art. He attends University, where he is known as a poet; however, he still feels trapped by his society. He leaves his hometown of Dublin to forge his own life overseas, and become a true artist.

Simon Dedalus

Stephen’s father; he begins having money troubles when Stephen is in boarding school and is forced to move his family to Dublin. He recognizes that Stephen is a talented boy, but doesn’t seem to take him seriously, at one point calling him a “lazy bitch”. Mr. Dedalus has a normal mind; at least, that is how Stephen feels. He enjoys reminiscing about his past and has a strong sense of patriotism.

Mary Dedalus

Stephen is closer to his mother than his father. Mrs. Dedalus is a gentle woman who avoids conflict whenever possible. She stays out of political arguments, preferring to try and keep the peace. She is a devout Catholic, and her religious influence affects Stephen greatly. When the family’s money situation was favourable, she was used to a life of luxury. Stephen thinks that living a life of poverty makes her stressed, although she still takes care of him when he comes home.

Uncle Charles

Stephen’s uncle; Stephen spends an entire summer with Uncle Charles as his companion, right before their family’s money troubles begin. He helps Uncle Charles run errands, and in return Uncle Charles gives him sweets. Like Mrs. Dedalus, Uncle Charles prefers to stay out of political arguments. After the move to Dublin, Uncle Charles becomes more senile, until finally he is incapable of even running errands as he used to.

Dante

A friend of the family; a well-read and opinionated woman. Before he went to school, Dante used to teach Stephen random facts. Stephen remembers vividly her brushes, and even as a child realized she was highly involved in politics. She is easily angered when her religious view or political view is threatened and ends up yelling at the family during the Christmas dinner scene. She accuses them of being “false Catholics” for taking the side of Parnell. She storms out of the house and isn’t seen again.

Charles Parnell

Although Parnell never actually appears in the novel, he is nevertheless the source of much conflict. Parnell was an Irish political leader who was a strong advocate of separating from Great Britain. Stephen’s father was a supporter of his. Parnell was found to be having an affair with a married woman, and the Catholic Church was blamed. The Christmas dinner argument is about Parnell’s condemnation.

Father Dolan

A minor character, but of significance to Stephen. When Stephen accidentally broke his glasses, he was punished by Father Dolan. Stephen was utterly humiliated for the first time in his life, and was so distraught he told the rector of the college he was wrongly punished. He was always proud of standing up to the authorities, but he finds out when he’s older that his father laughed at the story with both men involved. It is one of the first times Stephen realizes the unfairness and unpleasantness in the world.

Father Arnall

Stephen first meets Father Arnall at Clongowes, where Father Arnall teaches Latin. He is known for being strict, but not hateful. When Stephen goes to school at Belvedere, Father Arnall is the one giving the sermons during the retreat. These sermons affect Stephen so seriously he fears for the purity of his soul and begins living so as to not commit any sins. Stephen becomes known for being dedicated, and, as a result, is asked to join the order.

Vincent Heron

Stephen’s rival at Belvedere. The two are constantly competing for first in the class. Heron taunts Stephen and makes fun of him on several occasions, and Stephen is surprised to find out that he holds Heron no grudge for his actions.

Emma Clery

A long-time crush of Stephen’s. Emma appears throughout the novel. The first time they meet they ride a tram home together and Stephen realizes she is flirting with him. He can’t work up the courage to kiss her, however, and after their encounter ends up putting his emotions into verse for the first time. He sees her again at his play, and is frustrated when he can’t find her outside. Eventually they both end up at University, and Stephen spends an exorbitant amount of time figuring out where she is. Although he doesn’t know her well, to Stephen she is the ideal of womanly beauty.

Girl in the River

It is not even clear if the girl in the river is real, or a figment of Stephen’s imagination. After being accepted to University Stephen is walking by the sea, and sees a beautiful, bird-like girl standing in the water. She is almost a woman, and when she looks at him her beauty is burned into his soul. At this moment, he realizes that his true calling in life to be an artist and that nothing else will satisfy his nature.

Cranly

Stephen’s best friend at University. Stephen tells Cranly all of his secrets, about his soul and his life, and holds nothing back. Cranly is always there to listen without saying anything in return. Toward the very end of the novel, they have a disagreement about morals. Stephen wants to break away from religion and society, and Cranly urges him to make everyone happy by not doing so. Stephen realizes that the only way he will ever be free of the things that bind him is by leaving Dublin.

Davin

A peasant student at the University, and also one of Stephen’s friends. He has a simple country accent and is a strong Irish patriot, much like Stephen’s father. Davin accuses Stephen of not being a true Irishman because he has too much pride to stand up for his country. While Stephen admires Davin’s straightforward nature, he doesn’t agree with his way of thinking.

Lynch

Another friend of Stephen’s at the University. Lynch is not particularly well off, much like Stephen. Stephen seems to use Lynch as a springboard for ideas and philosophies, and Lynch is willing to hang on to Stephen’s every word. Stephen’s lecture on the nature of art and beauty happens during a conversation with Lynch while they are walking around the gardens of campus.

MacCann

A student at the University who profoundly annoys Stephen. Highly political and idealistic, he challenges Stephen to sign a petition for Universal peace. Stephen refuses to sign, starting an argument. Everything about MacCann annoys Stephen: the way he looks, dresses, and especially his accent. MacCann thinks he is superior to Stephen because of his ideals, and Stephen detests MacCann for the high value he puts on politics.