Alfy Character Analysis in Player Piano

Alfy lives in Homestead and makes his money by betting on what song is playing on the bar’s television. With his uncanny knack for identifying a song just by watching the orchestra on television (even when it’s muted), he’s able to make his entire living this way. He’s also an incredibly independent person, which is why he eventually refuses to join the Ghost Shirt Society.

Alfy Character Timeline in Player Piano

The timeline below shows where the character Alfy appears in Player Piano. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

Happiness, Self-Worth, and Passion Theme Icon

Class Division and Competition Theme Icon

A man sitting at the bar named Alfy asks Finnerty if he wants to bet what song they’re playing on the television, which... (full context)

Corporate Life vs. Human Connection Theme Icon

Paul goes to the bar and runs into Alfy, who tells him that the bartender he punched at the Meadows is still sneezing because... (full context)

Alfy also surprises Paul by telling him that Fred Garth was the one who destroyed the... (full context)