Character Analysis of The Hairy Ape by Eugene O'Neill

Learn Further ▾ Background Plot Summary Themes Quotes Character Analysis Symbolism Motifs Q&As As Modern Tragedy As Expressionist Play As Social Satire Alienation & identity Character Description Yank The play's antagonist. Yank works as a Fireman on a Transatlantic Ocean Liner. The play follows his quest to find a sense of belonging in modern, industrial society. Yank, whose real name is Bob Smith, was born in New York City and was brought up in a lower-class family. Yank is a burly, sometimes menacing figure who has difficulty with thought. He is known to take the physical position of Rodin's "The Thinker" when processing information or dealing with a problem. Mildred Douglas The frail, impetuous twenty-year-old daughter of the owner of Nazareth Steel. Mildred has enjoyed all of life's monetary privileges and has no real knowledge of work or hardship. In an attempt to understand the poorer classes, she does service projects and studied sociology in col…