Willy Russell creates a contrast between Edward and Mickey when they first meet in act 2, scene 2 by showing us that each one has something the other one doesn't have but desperately wants.

Mickey wants to be good-looking, suave, and debonair. And when he sees Edward for the first time, that's precisely what he imagines his brother to be. For his part, Edward wishes he had what he perceives to be Mickey's freedom.

A further contrast between the two can be seen in hints at their respective economic status. The well-to-do Edward offers to lend some money to the down-at-heel Mickey, although Mickey refuses and says that he'll ask his mother to lend him some. One certainly can't imagine Mickey, who never has had much money, offering to lend Edward any money.

Even though the brothers immediately become friendly on their first meeting, the stark contrasts between them in terms of wealth and class are there for everyone to see.