Six Characters in Search of an Author: Analysis of Major Characters
"Six Characters in Search of an Author" is a seminal play by Luigi Pirandello that explores the intricate relationship between reality and illusion through the lens of six distinct characters who seek an author to document their tragic story. These characters, who each embody profound emotional and psychological struggles, confront their creator and the concept of identity throughout the narrative. The Father, burdened by familial shame, leads his family onto the stage in pursuit of validation, while the Mother grapples with the consequences of infidelity and societal judgment, returning to her husband with the weight of her past.
The Stepdaughter experiences a disturbing encounter with her stepfather, unrecognized in a moment charged with irony and horror, while the Son reveals painful family secrets and a tragic event involving a deceased sister. The Little Girl’s tragic death serves as a haunting symbol within the play, alongside the Boy's ambiguous fate that raises questions about reality and performance. Madame Pace, a procuress, adds another layer of complexity by representing societal moral decay. The dynamics of these characters, including the Stage Manager and the actors who are interrupted during rehearsal, create a rich tapestry that invites audiences to reflect on the nature of existence, representation, and the search for meaning in a fragmented world. The play's exploration of these themes resonates across cultures, making it a profound piece for analysis and discussion.
Six Characters in Search of an Author: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Luigi Pirandello
First published: 1921 (English translation, 1922)
Genre: Play
Locale: The stage of a theater
Plot: Comedy
Time: Twentieth century
The Father, who, during preparations for the rehearsal of a play, appears on stage with five members of his family, in search of an author who will put them, already living characters, into a drama. The manager finally agrees to hear their story and allows them all to rehearse their parts as their illusions cause them to believe them to be.
The Mother, who years ago was provided with a lover by her husband. After the lover tires of her, she returns, destitute, with her three illegitimate children and is again received into her husband's home. She watches, sorrowing, as she sees her husband act out his visit to Madame Pace, from whom he attempts to purchase a replacement for his wife. Unknown to him, the girl he desires is the illegitimate daughter of his own wife.
The Stepdaughter, who, while playing her part in Madame Pace's establishment, is approached by her stepfather, who does not recognize her. She is abruptly pulled from him by her horrified mother, who rushes in from offstage.
The Son, who, when urged by the manager to play his part, insists that he simply walked in the garden. He violently accuses the father of displaying the family shame to the world and of dragging him onstage. He finally admits finding the body of the little girl in the fountain.
The Little Girl, who, placed by the stage manager beside a fountain, is found dead in its waters.
The Boy, who is placed by the stage manager behind some bushes, from which comes the sound of a pistol shot. In the resulting confusion, the rehearsal ends in a frantic discussion about whether or not the boy's death is real or pretended.
Madame Pace, a procuress. Scandalized at having to play her part before the mother, she leaves the stage.
The Stage Manager, the Leading Lady, and the Leading Man, the professional company interrupted in rehearsal by the six characters in search of an author.