A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man characters

Appears from the start

The sensitive, observant central figure, first seen as a small child absorbing family stories, songs, fears, and political tensions before attending Clongowes Wood College. He is physically timid among the older boys and intensely alert to language, sound, and questions of right and wrong.

Appears from the start

Stephen's sociable, forceful father. Proud of family connections and Irish public life, he fills the household with anecdotes and strongly supports Charles Stewart Parnell during a bitter Christmas dinner argument.

Appears from the start

Stephen's devout mother, a steady presence in his early home. She tries to restrain the political and religious quarrel that disrupts the family's Christmas dinner.

Also known as Dante

Appears from the start

A strict Catholic family friend involved in Stephen's upbringing. Her loyalty to the Church makes her a fierce opponent of Parnell and drives the Christmas dinner dispute Stephen witnesses.

Appears from the start

A schoolmate at Clongowes who bullies Stephen and pushes him into a filthy ditch after questioning him. The incident leaves Stephen ill and homesick.

Appears from the start

A Jesuit teacher at Clongowes whose lessons connect religious authority with Stephen's growing fear of punishment.

Appears from the start

The prefect of studies at Clongowes. He punishes Stephen for not working even though the boy has been excused because his glasses are broken, giving Stephen his first direct experience of institutional injustice.

Appears from the start

A friendly schoolmate at Clongowes who talks with Stephen about home, families, and the confusing divisions among the boys.

First appears in chapter 2

An older relative who shares Stephen's walks during the family's period in Blackrock, following a regular routine of errands and visits.

First appears in chapter 2

A confident fellow student at Belvedere who mocks Stephen's literary tastes and pressures him to conform to the opinions of the group.

Also known as E. C.

First appears in chapter 2

A girl who becomes the focus of Stephen's romantic imagination. His feelings for her are shaped as much by distance, memory, and imagined gestures as by direct conversation.

First appears in chapter 5

A university friend of Stephen's from rural Ireland. Athletic and earnest, he embraces Irish nationalism and urges Stephen to feel a stronger duty to the country and its political cause.

First appears in chapter 5

Stephen's university companion and the patient, sometimes skeptical audience for his elaborate account of beauty, art, and the artist's craft.

First appears in chapter 5

Stephen's closest confidant at the university. Thoughtful and socially assured, he listens as Stephen explains why he will not submit his mind to the claims of religion, nation, or family.