Clay Characters

Maria, the protagonist of “Clay,” is an unmarried middle-aged woman working at a laundry in Dublin. While she is well-liked at work and known as a “peace-maker,” her interactions with others are superficial and even… read analysis of Maria

Joe Donnelly, Maria’s closest friend, is the host of the Hallow Eve party at the center of the story. He is the wife of Mrs. Donnelly and the father of several children. Maria has… read analysis of Joe Donnelly

Mrs. Donnelly is Joe’s wife, who is unfailingly kind to Maria. On Hallow Eve, Mrs. Donnelly defends Maria’s assertion that Joe and Alphy should reconnect, and she scolds the next-door girls for bringing… read analysis of Mrs. Donnelly

Alphy Donnelly is Joe Donnelly’s brother, with whom Joe—for unspecified reasons—no longer speaks. Maria cared for both Alphy and Joe when they were children, and it’s implied that she still speaks with Alphy, since… read analysis of Alphy Donnelly

While Maria takes the tram to the Donnellys’ house, an elderly man gives up his seat to her and talks to her throughout the ride. Maria initially describes this interaction in positive terms: he is… read analysis of Elderly Man

The young woman behind the shop counter is the person who rings up the plum cake that Maria buys for Joe and Mrs. Donnelly. When Maria takes a long time to pick out what… read analysis of Woman Behind the Shop Counter