Character study on Alfieri

A bit about Alfieri

Alfieri plays the role of the chorus. The chorus fills in the gaps, informs the audience of
events, gives opinions, shows sympathy and talks protagonists out of action. He knows
the outcome but has no power to change it. He represents both Americans and Italians.
He has the overall view, i.e. the view from the bridge. He works in a run-down area:
This is the slum that faces the bay This is the gullet of New York
swallowing the tonnage of the world. The Italian people often have the wrong
impression of him because he is a lawyer. Alfieri is a relaxed character; he has a laid
back tone. He is very passionate about his job: the flat air in my office suddenly
washes in with the green scent of the sea, the dust in the air is blown away.
He often puts himself down: After all, who have I dealt with in my life. Although
he is a lawyer, he still believes in the Italian ways: Justice is very important here.
He acknowledges the American law system: Now we settle for half.
He
foreshadows events to come as he reports how he: watched it run its bloody
course. Although Alfieri tells us what happens he does not tell us how it happens.

Alfieris relationship with Marco

Italians are supposed to keep their word, we are told this repeatedly throughout the
drama. The fact that Marco goes behind Alfieris back by going to see Eddie tells us that
Marco is a dishonourable character. Marco and Alfieri have a conversation about
whether or not he will be released/let off. It becomes evident that religion plays a part
in Marcos life as he is convinced not to go and see Eddie when Alfieri says: Only God
makes justice. This is not God, Marco. You hear.

Alfieris relationship with Rodolpho

Eddie thinks of lots of ways to get the law involved when talking to Alfieri even though it
has nothing to do with the law. Eddie talks about Rodolpho just wanting to become an
American citizen: The only reason for it is to get his papers. Eddie is also convinced
that Rodolpho is homosexual and has a very back and forth conversation with Alfieri:
Im telling you sumpm, wait a minute. Hes stealing from me! The only
way that Alfieri can get the law involved is if someone were to tell him they were illegal
immigrants. a trouble that would not go away. Alfieri hinting at this trouble
being Rodolpho. What will be discovered. Alfieri is foreshadowing that fact that
Eddie likes Catherine.

Alfieris relationship with Eddie

Eddie and Alfieri respect each other, so Eddie feels safe going to him for advice. When
Eddie tells Alfieri about Rodolpho, Alfieri can see straight through his excuses about him
being gay etc. and knows about his feelings for Catherine. He knows what Eddie will do:
his eyes were like tunnels. One way, dark, tunnel vision. Alfieri tries to stay
professional-tells him theres nothing the law can do before giving him more personal
advice: Let her go. And bless her. It is surprising that Eddie goes to Alfieri about
the immigrants as you would expect Alfieri to say something as he is a lawyer. Alfieri is
slightly scared of Eddie which is shown as he is not direct about telling Eddie to stay
away from Catherine until the last minute when Eddie is about to phone immigration:
You wont have a friend in the world, Eddie! Even those who understand will
turn against you, even the ones who feel the same will despise you! At the
end Alfieri says that he loves Eddie more than his sensible clients: And so I mourn
him-I admit it-with a certainalarm. He is shocked that he feels sympathy
Italian way, lawyer.

Alfieris relationship with Catherine

When Alfieri talks to Eddie, all their conversations revolve around Catherine. Catherine
is the main cause of conflict. When Alfieri tries to tell Marco to stay away from Eddie,
Catherine is the one that has to explain it to him and finally makes him promise.

Alfieris relationship with Beatrice

Beatrice and Alfieri dont really have a relationship as when Eddie goes to talk to him
they always talk about Catherine and Rodolpho, despite the fact that Beatrice is Eddies
wife.