The Boarding House Character Analysis

Mrs. Mooney

The protagonist of the story, Mrs. Mooney is Polly’s mother and the owner of the boarding house. She is a formidable woman with a scheme to marry her daughter off. As a butcher’s daughter… read analysis of Mrs. Mooney

Mr. Doran

Mr. Doran is a lodger at Mrs. Mooney’s boarding house who has an affair with Mrs. Mooney’s daughter, Polly. In his mid-30s, Mr. Doran has held a steady job for 13 years working… read analysis of Mr. Doran

Polly Mooney

Mrs. Mooney’s 19-year-old daughter, who does housework around the boarding house. A “very lively” young woman, she flirts with all the resident young men. She seems to be the driving force behind her relationship… read analysis of Polly Mooney

Minor Characters

Jack Mooney

Mrs. Mooney’s son. He lives in the boarding house, works as clerk in Dublin, and is known for liking to fight, curse, and bet. His protective attitude toward his sister, Polly, strikes fear into Mr. Doran.

Mr. Mooney

Mrs. Mooney’s estranged husband, who once tried to attack her with a cleaver.