Character Analysis: Kate

Kate

• Only one who had proper job
• Mother figure
• Reputation as 'The Gander' 
• Eldest and the breadwinner- supports the family
• Lost her job because of Father Jack turning into a pagan
• Most resistant to changes
• Critical of the 'pagan' singing and dancing
• Strict Catholic, upholds the faith
• Others jokingly mock her '"Do you want to make a pagan of yourself?"'
• Spoils Michael, although she is the most disgraced by the fact Chris had a love child
• Secret crush on Austen Morgan- does not like to admit it
• Loses her temper easily especially with Rose [sudden anger]
• Sisters ignore her when they're talking about going to the dance
• Gives in sometimes 'Oh God Agnes, what do you think?'
• Quickly changes her mind when she sees Rose make a fool of herself
• Proud of religion and family
• Sensitive although tries to be strong
• Was 'inconsolable' for months after Jack died
• Thoroughly disapproves of Gerry yet she tolerates him for Chris' sake
• Lets loose occasionally, lets lose the most when she does
• In charge although Maggie takes charge of her/for her sometimes
• Associates with Maggie the most
• Fiercely protective of her loved ones
• Sensitive-suppressed her emotions through her sense of priority and duty
• Tormented and worried as the prospects of a scandal within the family
• Fears for the future, losing her job, losing family's livelihood.

Key Quotes

A very proper woman

Sinful to christian an inanimate object with any kind of name, not to talk of a pagan god.

Snatched if from me before I could study it in any detail Each new revelation startled- shocked- stunned poor Aunt Kate But for months Kate was inconsolable

Maggie: 

As long as Kate's not around, "Do you want to make a pagan of yourself?"

Agnes: 

Kate forgets nothing
Rose: [Rose grimaces behind Kate's back]

Kate: 

[...kisses the crown of his head]

[Pretend horror]

God bless us, those are sacrificing! 

[sudden anger] For God's sake. Rose, shut up I am going to learn

You're far too pale
You'd think it was heaven she was talking about
You're not serious, Agnes-are you?
How can we?
Oh God Agnes, what do you think?
Are we?
Maybe we're mad-are we mad?
[At this Kate panics]
We're going nowhere!
Just look at yourselves!
Mature women, dancing?
Laughing at us?
[Very angry almost shouting]
Dozens of people were asking for you
[Sharply] you've offered that cheap wisdom already, Rose.

['Oh, Christina!' but her protest is drowned
Watching the scene with unease, with alarm, suddenly leaps to her feet, flinging her head back
Kate dances alone, totally concentrated, totally private
Controlled and frantic
Kate makes no sound
Then Kate notices-and stops]

No welcome for that creature
You are looking beautiful and what you're going to do is this.
[Kate now takes her in her arms]
[Firm again]
God forgive you!
The animal!
He's leading her astray again Maggie.
And look at her the fool! [pause]... They're such a beautiful couple
Those aul pagan songs!... She's right: I am a righteous bitch, aren't I?
Suddenly you realise that hair cracks are appearing everywhere; that control is slipping away...so fragile it can't be held together much longer. It's all about to collapse Maggie.
[She now cries, Maggie puts her arm around her]
What worries me most of all is Rose
I must put my trust in God

[Stands still watching him]
So you'll soon begin saying Mass again? repeated
[Kate and Maggie stare at each other in concern, in alarm]
Hes changed Maggie...completely changed
He's not our Jack at all, and its what hes changed into that frightens me
Stop sniveling , Agnes!
I want to know where you've been Rose
What has happened to this house, Mother of God, will we be able to lift our heads ever again...?
Killed all Christian conversation in this country