Ethan Allen Hawley

Ethan Allen Hawley serves as the complex protagonist of The Winter of Our Discontent. Descended from early American pioneers, Ethan's family has fallen from grace, losing its former wealth. Despite being a Harvard graduate and World War II veteran, he now works humbly as a grocery clerk. Ethan embodies a duality; an independent spirit marred by discontent, yet he strives to maintain a philosophical outlook, often resorting to humorous banter and clever wordplay with his wife, Mary, as a means to cope with his circumstances. This verbal dexterity masks a deeper ambition to restore his family's fortune and status, driven by societal pressures and an internal conflict between his moral values and material desires.

Ethan's transformation from a man of integrity to a figure embroiled in corruption is catalyzed by various events and influences. Initially, he attempts to impart the values of honesty and independence to his son by turning down a bribe. However, the relentless pursuit of wealth and respect leads him to exploit those around him, including orchestrating the deportation of his employer, Alfio Marullo, and manipulating his childhood friend, Danny Taylor, into transferring his land. This moral decline reaches a nadir when he considers bank robbery, spurred by a tip from Joe Morphy, a bank teller. Despite these misdeeds, Ethan's conscience remains troubled, particularly as he observes his son Allen's lack of remorse over plagiarism, which starkly mirrors his personal moral failings.

Mary Hawley

Mary Hawley, Ethan's wife, is a loving and caring partner, yet she unwittingly contributes to the pressure he feels to restore their family’s stature. Her expectations and societal norms compound Ethan's internal struggle, driving him further into his schemes. Despite her superficial understanding of his deeper conflicts, Mary remains a figure of trust and affection in Ethan's life. She stands by him, unaware of the full extent of his actions, embodying a blend of superficiality and unwavering loyalty.

Joe Morphy

Joe Morphy, a bank clerk, is a pivotal yet unwitting catalyst in Ethan’s descent into moral ambiguity. Although good-natured and mediocre, Joe harbors his discontent with his stagnant job and social life, making the best of his situation by being friendly and sociable. Known for his extensive knowledge of the town's affairs, he inadvertently provides Ethan with critical information that seeds the idea of a bank robbery. Despite his role in Ethan’s plot, Joe remains detached from the moral implications, a mere purveyor of information rather than a participant in the resultant fallout.

Alfio Marullo

Alfio Marullo, the Italian immigrant and owner of the grocery store where Ethan works, embodies a complex blend of hard-earned wisdom and pragmatic criticism. Although initially depicted as a critic of Ethan’s "soft" nature, Marullo develops a respect for Ethan’s honesty and family values. Despite his immigrant status, which makes him vulnerable, he entrusts Ethan with the store, unaware of Ethan’s betrayal. Marullo's deportation ultimately serves as a pivotal step in Ethan’s corrupt ascent, highlighting the tragic irony of his misplaced trust.

Danny Taylor

Danny Taylor, the town's inebriate and Ethan’s boyhood friend, presents a poignant narrative of loss and manipulation. Despite their childhood bond, Ethan exploits Danny’s vulnerability, convincing him to will his land in exchange for a sum of money. This transaction, facilitated by Mr. Baker’s influence, underscores Ethan’s moral decline and the devastating impact of his pursuit of wealth at the expense of his closest friendships.

Mr. Baker

Mr. Baker, the town banker, personifies the materialistic ethos that Ethan both despises and succumbs to. With a veneer of graciousness, Baker is deeply enmeshed in schemes of personal gain, often at the...