Troy Maxson - ANSThe protagonist of Fences, a 53-year-old, African American man who works
for the sanitation department, lifting garbage into trucks.
Troy is also a former baseball star in the Negro Leagues. Troy's athletic ability diminished before
the Major Leagues accepted blacks.
Hard-working, strong and prone to telling compelling, fanciful stories and twisting the truth,
Troy's character is the centerpiece that all of the other relationships in Fences gather around.
Troy is a tragic-hero who has excessive pride for his breadwinning role. Troy's years of
hard-work for only meager progress depress him. Troy often fails to provide the love and
support that would mean the most to his loved ones.
Jim Bono - ANSTroy's best friend of 30+ years, "Bono" or "Mr. Bono" is also a garbage man.
Bono and Troy met in jail, where Troy learned to play baseball. Troy is a role model to Bono.
Bono is the only character in Fences who remembers, first-hand, Troy's glory days of hitting
homeruns in the Negro Leagues.
Less controversial than Troy, Bono admires Troy's leadership and responsibility at work. Bono
spends every Friday after work drinking beers and telling stories with Troy in the Maxson
family's backyard.
Bono is married to Lucille, who is friends with Rose. Bono is a devoted husband and friend.
Bono's concern for Troy's marriage takes precedent over his loyalty to their friendship.
Rose Maxson - ANSTroy's wife, a gentle spirit who is quiet and laughs easily. She mothers
those around her and is a strong supporter and fierce protector of her husband and son.
Lyons Maxson - ANSTroy's eldest son from a previous relationship, Lyons is a musician who
can't keep a job. Charming and easy going, he lives nearby.
Gabriel Maxson - ANSTroy's brother who suffered severe head trauma in World War 2 and has
a childlike innocence and a deep concern for his older brother. He believes he's the angel
Gabriel.
Cory Maxson - ANSTroy & Rose's son. A natural athlete, he's been playing football, hoping to
use it to go to college.
Raynell Maxson - ANSTroy's youngest child, a daughter, from another relationship.
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