Character: George 'Spanky' Farrell

Character: George ‘Spanky’ Farrell

Overview

George ‘Spanky’ Farrell is one of the three slab boys who work in the carpet factory, along with Phil and Hector.
He represents a contrast to Phil, demonstrating more success, confidence and ambition in his life.
Although he’s close friends with Phil, his actions and attitudes can also provide conflict in their relationship.

Personality and Behaviour

Spanky is portrayed as confident, always ready with a quick joke or a smart comment. He is popular among his peers and acts as a sort of leader in the slab room.
He can be cruel and insensitive, at times showing a lack of empathy to others, particularly towards Phil’s personal struggles.
His behaviour is often self-centred and he has ambition to advance his position, a contrast to his co-workers who are content with their place.

Relationships

His friendship with Phil is a primary relationship in the play, which is both supportive and argumentative. He often teases Phil about his ambitions, yet also stands by his side.
He is attracted to Lucille, a secretary in the factory. He flatters and flirts with her, though she doesn’t reciprocate his feelings.

Role in the Narrative

As a foil to Phil, Spanky’s success emphasises Phil’s failures, thereby intensifying the play’s themes of desperation and crushed dreams.
His treatment of Phil and others in the slab room offers a commentary on class divisions and social mobility, a central theme of the play.

Key Moments

Spanky’s flirtation with Lucille is a crucial moment that underscores his confident personality and the dynamic of power and longing in their relationship.
His lack of support for Phil when he faces rejection from the art school is a key scene depicting his insensitivity and self-interest.