I Am the Messenger

I Am the Messenger

by

Markus Zusak

Tony O’Reilly Character Analysis

Tony O’Reilly is the brother of Father Thomas O’Reilly. Tony lives in the wealthy part of town and has two sons. He is estranged from his brother for reasons he does not explain but that are linked to their disagreements about wealth and greed. However, at Ed’s invitation, Tony attends the big community event at Father O’Reilly’s church and the men share a brief moment at the end of the day, offering hope for their relationship in the future.
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Tony O’Reilly Character Timeline in I Am the Messenger

The timeline below shows where the character Tony O’Reilly appears in I Am the Messenger. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
7 of Clubs: The Priest
Hope, Caring, and Beauty Theme Icon
...asks him if his name is Thomas O’Reilly, but the man says his name is Tony. He adds that his brother’s name is Thomas. Before Ed can leave, Tony asks what... (full context)
Heroism, Sainthood, and Ordinariness Theme Icon
Hope, Caring, and Beauty Theme Icon
...to both Ed anymore. They all agree. Before the Father leaves, Ed tells him what Tony said about not being destroyed by greed. The Father admits he hasn’t spoken to his... (full context)
8 of Clubs: Juveniles
Hope, Caring, and Beauty Theme Icon
...Milla if he can take her to church with him tomorrow. Finally, he stops at Tony O’Reilly’s house. He asks Tony if he has seen the graffiti. In response, Tony invites... (full context)
Circumstance vs. Choice Theme Icon
Hope, Caring, and Beauty Theme Icon
During the final song of the church service, Ed spots Tony and his children. Father O’Reilly also sees Tony. He begins the final prayer by thanking... (full context)
Hope, Caring, and Beauty Theme Icon
...clean up. Before he leaves for the day, Ed sees Father O’Reilly and his brother Tony sitting together and smoking. Ed knows this moment will not completely heal the rift in... (full context)