The Buried Giant

by

Kazuo Ishiguro

Father Brian Character Analysis

Father Brian is one of the head monks at the monastery that Axl, Beatrice, Wistan, and Edwin stop at on their journey. Father Brian is at first very welcoming and kind to the group, but is not able to spend a lot of time with them because the abbot is coming for a visit. Later, it is revealed that Father Brian (a Briton) is treacherous: he, along with Sir Gawain, warned the abbot and Lord Brennus that Wistan was there with an old couple, and then he led Axl, Beatrice, and Edwin into a trap tunnel where he keeps a monster that kills anyone who is left there. Sir Gawain, who knows Father Brian well, is horrified, and mourns how “dark” Father Brian’s heart has become over the years.
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Father Brian Character Timeline in The Buried Giant

The timeline below shows where the character Father Brian appears in The Buried Giant. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Chapter 6
War, Peace, Vengeance, and Forgiveness Theme Icon
...whispered to one another and looked impatiently at one of the stone buildings. Another monk, Father Brian , brought up a tray of food for Axl and Beatrice while Wistan and Edwin... (full context)
War, Peace, Vengeance, and Forgiveness Theme Icon
Once the monk who yelled at the birds was gone, Beatrice asked Father Brian if she could meet with Father Jonus to ask his advice soon. Father Brian told... (full context)
War, Peace, Vengeance, and Forgiveness Theme Icon
...that the monks are trying to hide this fact from them. Axl points out that Father Brian mentioned an important visitor was due to arrive, and Wistan agrees that this may be... (full context)
Chapter 7
War, Peace, Vengeance, and Forgiveness Theme Icon
Axl is woken up by Father Brian shaking him. Beatrice is already awake, and Edwin is getting out of bed while Father... (full context)
War, Peace, Vengeance, and Forgiveness Theme Icon
Axl helps Father Brian lift the heavy door so they can go down, but Edwin initially refuses and insists... (full context)