Finnegans Wake

Main Characters and Their Development

• Humphrey Chimpden Earwicker — the presumed main character around whom the story is built. His death and wake are considered the foundation of the narrative. He is depicted in various forms, including archetypal and mythological figures, reflecting the multiplicity of interpretations of his personality and fate.
• Anna Livia Plurabelle — Humphrey's wife and a secondary yet important character. She embodies the River Liffey flowing through Dublin. Her character evolves from a young girl to an aging mother, symbolizing the cyclical nature of life and the constancy of change.
• Shem and Shaun — the two sons of Humphrey and Anna. They represent dualism and contradiction. Shem is associated with creativity, artistry, and rebellion, while Shaun is portrayed as a conformist and defender of tradition. Their relationships and interactions reflect the internal struggle between individuality and social responsibility.
• Isabel — the daughter of Humphrey and Anna. Her character is less developed than her brothers, but she plays a role in the family's development story and acts as a link between generations.