TROY MAXSON
Troy Maxson- The Protaganist character of Fences, a fifty-three year-old, African American man who works for the sanitation department, lifting garbage into trucks. Troy is also a former baseball star in the Negro Leagues. During the time Troy played sports blacks were not accepted in Major Leagues. Hard-working, strong and known to exaggerate the turth with his stories, Troy plays the dominant role in his over thirty-year friendship with fellow sanitation worker, Jim Bono. Troy's character is the centerpiece that all of the other relationships in Fences gather around. Troy is husband to Rose, father to Lyons, Cory, and Raynell, and brother to Gabriel. Troy is a tragic-hero who has excessive pride. Troy often fails to provide the love and support that is needed by his loved ones. Troy cheats on Rose, his wife of 18 years, with a woman named Alberta and impreagnates her with a baby girl named Raynell. Troy does not get along with his son, Troy does nota agree with the lifestyles of both his sons. Lyons is a musician and has a hard time making a living, he mostly relies on his girlfriend Bonnie. Lyons doesn't live with Cory, Troy, and Rose but comes by the house on Troy's payday asking for money. Troy thinks Lyons occupation is uncoventional and foolish and thinks he should get a real job.
Troy and Cory's relationship is ruff as well, Cory as a senior in high school gets good grades and recruiters are coming to see him play football. Troy is jealous of Cory's success in football and doesn't want him to make it into the Major Leagues because he doesn't want to see Cory do better them him. Cory comes of age during the course of the play and confornts and challenges Troy and leaves home.
James Earl Jones, Played Troy Maxson in the Broadway play Fences premiering on at the 46th Street Theatre on March 26, 1987 and closing on June 26, 1988 after 525 performances and 11 previews
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