Christy Moran Character Analysis

Christy Moran, an Irishman from Kingstown in County Dublin, is the sergeant-major of Willie’s company in the British Army. Christy speaks roughly and curses often. He complains bitterly about the British Army’s poor treatment of Irish soldiers, and he resents the fact that he must fight loyally for the King of England. He finds a dark humor in the horrors of war, and he jokes ironically about the suffering he and his comrades endure. Despite his gruff exterior, Christy is well-liked. He loves his fellow soldiers, and he does all he can to help the men under his command survive. Moreover, he cares what the other men think of him, and he fears being laughed at because of his reason for joining the army (he wanted to support his wife financially after she lost her right hand in an accident). Christy Moran develops a close bond of friendship with Willie because they experience so much of the war together. In June 1917, shortly after the capture of Wytschaete, Christy receives a medal for his bravery in battle. Later, Christy gives his medal to Willie because he believes Willie has earned it, and he hopes that the medal might keep Willie safe. At the end of the novel, Christy and Joe Kielty bury Willie near St. Court, and Christy carefully marks the location of Willie’s grave on his map.