Character Comprehension Questions

To be completed after we look at characters

Terry Molloy

1. Make a list of the physical transformations Terry undergoes throughout the film. How does Marlon Brando show his burgeoning pride?
 

2. Why is Terry so reticent to testify? Why do you think he changes his mind? Use evidence from the text to support your answer

3. How does Terry’s relationship with Edie change him?

Edie Doyle

4. To what extent do you think Terry is a victim of circumstance?
 

5. On more than one occasion, Edie runs away from Terry. Why does she do this?
 

6. Look closely at scenes involving Edie in the beginning, in the middle and at the end of the film. In what ways does her physical appearance change? What do you think is meant by this?
 

7. Edie is drawn to Terry yet he is partly responsible for her brother’s murder. Why does she engage in a relationship with him?

Father Barry

8. In the scene in the church cellar, why does Elia Kazan film the presence of another priest dressed in his cassock? What does this contrast suggest about Father Barry?

9. Why does Father Barry become so involved in the actions of the men?

10. How is father Barry a catalyst for change in the film?

Charley

11. How do the other characters in the film describe Charley? Is this different to our experience of him?

12. In contrast to his brother, Charley has received an education. In what ways are the brothers similar? How are they different?

Johnny Friendly

13. What do we learn from Johnny’s history that helps us to understand the man that he becomes?
 

14. Track Johnny’s fall from powerful bully to impotent boss. How does Elia Kazan demonstrate this fall through camera work, costume etc?