Analysis of Troy Maxson: The Ironic Protagonist

Troy is a hardworking man. He has a strong work ethic and is determined to instill this same work ethic in his children. He constantly reminds his children of his role as the family’s breadwinner every time they mention a career that he believes is not legitimate such as a football player. For example, in Act 1, Scene 3 Cory asks Troy why he doesn’t like him. Troy defends himself saying, “Don’t you eat everyday...Got a roof over your head...Clothes on your back...Why you think that is” (pg. 1665). This is only one example that displays Troy’s belief that his job stands as his refuge of self-worth. Throughout the play many other examples can also be found.
As a husband Troy obviously loves his wife, Rose. However, he is very sexist in his way of treating her. Troy acts like Rose is beneath him just because she is a woman. For example, in Act 1, Scene 1 while Troy and Bono are conversing on the porch, Troy asks Rose what she is making for dinner. When Rose joins them on the porch to answer Troy after she is finish talking Troy says, “Well, go on back in the house and let me and Bono finish what we was talking about. This is men talk” (pg. 1645).
As Gabriel’s brother Troy holds a great deal of self-guilt but he is not bothered enough to cease the flow of his veteran’s brother’s money. Throughout the play Gabriel constantly asks Troy if he is mad at him. Every time Gabriel appears on stage Troy’s entire demeanor becomes indifferent to what’s going on around him. As a result, Gabriel believes that Troy is purposely acting this way out of anger.
Troy is great friends with Bono for two main reasons: as a drinking companion and someone to talk to about his demons (His affair with Alberta, his days in the Negro Leagues, their job at the Sanitation Department...etc). Troy initially met Bono when he was in jail. Because of this he knows that Bono is not one that holds judgment. Troy holds much of his trust in Bono and is always delighted to have someone to listen to his long and sometimes exaggerated stories. Bono is also the only character in the play that was there in the glory days of Troy’s Negro League career.
Wilson portrays Troy as a man worthy of respect and admiration because his intentions are well-meaning. He has overcome many trials in his life and is a father that may not be perfect but nevertheless is still there for his boys. In Wilson’s personal life he never had a fatherly experience. As a result he is sending a message to the reader that it is better to have a father there that is less than perfect than having a “rolling stone” for a father.