Characters: Characters
Joe Bonaparte
Joe Bonaparte is a young violinist who transitions into a career as a prizefighter. Originally driven by his passion for music, Joe faces ridicule and emotional pain from those who belittle his artistic aspirations. The fame and fortune he gains in the boxing ring provide him an outlet for vengeance but ultimately lead to a brutal transformation of his character. Despite his success, Joe's life is marked by an internal conflict between his musical roots and his new violent path. He develops a romantic relationship with Lorna Moon, who eventually convinces him to abandon boxing. Tragically, on the same night he makes this decision, Joe and Lorna are killed in a car crash. His journey from musician to boxer, with the accompanying emotional struggles, encapsulates the tragedy of a man torn between two worlds.
Lorna Moon
Lorna Moon begins as Tom Moody’s mistress but becomes emotionally invested in Joe Bonaparte. At Mr. Bonaparte's behest, she attempts to guide Joe back to his musical path. Though deeply in love with Joe, she struggles with her commitment to Moody, especially as Moody's wife agrees to a divorce, paving the way for their marriage. After one of Joe's victorious fights, Lorna professes her love and persuades him to leave the ring. Her love for Joe, however, ends tragically when they both lose their lives in a car accident that very night.
Tom Moody
Tom Moody is Joe Bonaparte’s manager and part owner, as well as Lorna Moon’s lover. Deeply intertwined with Joe's boxing career, Moody's personal entanglements complicate his relationship with both Joe and Lorna. Despite his managerial role, his personal life and professional responsibilities often collide, creating tension and conflict within the narrative.
Mr. Bonaparte
Mr. Bonaparte is Joe's father, who harbors hopes that Joe will forsake boxing and return to his musical pursuits. Initially withholding his blessing on Joe's boxing career, Mr. Bonaparte is burdened as he witnesses his son’s unwavering commitment to the sport. In the aftermath of Joe's death, Mr. Bonaparte claims his son's body, bringing him back to the family home. This action symbolizes his enduring love and acceptance, despite the path Joe chose.
Eddie Fuseli
Eddie Fuseli is a notorious gambler of Italian descent who becomes intricately involved with Joe Bonaparte's boxing management. Despite the reluctance of Tom Moody and Roxy Gottlieb to include him due to his intimidating reputation, Fuseli asserts his influence by leveraging his shared Italian heritage with Joe. Initially presenting himself as uninterested in monetary gains, Fuseli's true motives are revealed when he pressures Joe to continue boxing, even resorting to threats. His involvement is marked by a tendency toward violence and an evident desire for financial profit, as seen in his heavy betting on Joe's matches.
Anna
Anna, Joe's sister, is a devoted wife to Siggie and assumes a maternal role in Joe's life after their mother’s passing. Her marriage, characterized by love and occasional spirited quarrels, provides a nurturing environment for Joe. As Joe embarks on his boxing journey, Anna supports him by helping with preparations and offering practical advice on city life necessities, fostering an atmosphere of familial support.
Roxy Gottlieb
Roxy Gottlieb is part of Joe's management team, sharing ownership responsibilities. Initially skeptical about Joe's potential, Roxy’s outlook changes as Joe achieves success. Despite enjoying the financial rewards Joe brings, Roxy, like Moody, criticizes Joe when he strays from their expectations. Roxy’s prescient concern about Joe’s purchase of a fast car foreshadows the tragic accident that claims Joe’s life, highlighting Roxy's complex role in Joe's career and personal decisions.
Frank Bonaparte
Frank Bonaparte, Joe’s elder brother, is...
(This entire section contains 1092 words.)
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a labor union advocate with the Congress of Industrial Organizations. His commitment to fighting for workers' rights stands in stark contrast to Joe's pursuit of financial success through boxing, providing a familial counterpoint to Joe's choices.
Mr. Carp
Mr. Carp, Mr. Bonaparte’s pessimistic companion, frequently quotes Arthur Schopenhauer to substantiate his gloomy worldview. He harbors skepticism towards professional sports, considering them futile, contrasting sharply with Mr. Bonaparte’s more optimistic outlook. Joe is influenced by Mr. Carp's philosophical musings and gains knowledge by perusing Mr. Carp’s encyclopedia, adding depth to Joe's intellectual explorations.
Siggie
Siggie, Joe's brother-in-law, is married to Anna. Frustrated by his inability to secure a taxicab for his own business aspirations, Siggie remains determined to break free from the financial limitations imposed by his current job. The dynamics of his passionate marriage to Anna are both affectionate and contentious, mirroring the complex familial relationships surrounding Joe.
Tokio
As Joe’s trainer, Tokio provides a rare source of genuine concern for Joe's emotional well-being. He defends Joe against managerial criticism, advocating for Joe's developing skills in the ring. Tokio’s calming presence and understanding nature earn Joe’s trust and respect, making him a crucial ally in Joe's turbulent life.
Pepper White
Pepper White, an aging boxer, shares a dressing room with Joe and attempts to provoke him into a confrontation. Despite his limited intellect, evidenced by misunderstandings over his earnings, Pepper inadvertently highlights the potential destruction boxing could bring to Joe’s musical talents, as shown by his own battered hands. Pepper’s extramarital affair adds another layer of complexity to his character.
Barker
Barker manages the Baltimore Chocolate Drop, a boxer who succumbs to Joe in the ring. Barker is deeply upset by the outcome, which starkly contrasts with the celebratory atmosphere surrounding Joe's victory, illustrating the dual impact of triumph and tragedy in the sport.
Drake
Drake is a sports writer who, alongside Lewis, interviews Joe prior to his fight with the Chocolate Drop. Unlike Lewis, Drake is unimpressed by Joe’s self-assured demeanor, showcasing a critical stance toward Joe’s confidence, adding a layer of tension to the narrative.
Driscoll
Driscoll plays the role of an inspector who checks Joe’s gloves for any tampering after Joe’s fatal bout with the Chocolate Drop, ensuring the integrity of the match, and highlighting the regulation and scrutiny prevalent in the sport.
Lewis
Lewis, a sports journalist, interviews Joe alongside Drake. He appreciates Joe’s boldness and reveals to Joe the impending marriage of Moody and Lorna, news that surprises Joe. Lewis's perspective provides a balance to Drake’s criticism, reflecting the varied media reactions to Joe’s career.
Mickey
Mickey is the manager of boxer Pepper White and advises Pepper against pursuing a romantic liaison with a married woman, reflecting his protective oversight of his fighter, which underscores the managerial responsibilities in the boxing world.
