Character: Phil McCann

Overview

Phil McCann is a protagonist in John Byrne’s The Slab Boys.
He is portrayed as a bright, talented young man, who is unfortunately stuck in the menial job as a slab boy in a carpet factory.
His ambitions often conflict with his socio-economic situation, resulting in a series of defiances and rebellious acts.

Rebellious: Phil is discontented with his lot in life, often acting out against the authority figures in the factory in both overt and covert ways.
Artistic: His dream is to attend the Glasgow School of Art, and this aspiration often puts him at odds with the bleak surrounds of his daily life.
Witty: Phil often uses humour and sarcasm as a coping mechanism, and this lends a certain liveliness to his character despite the grim circumstances.
Defiant: He refuses to accept his relegated position and struggles for a better future.

Spanky: Phil’s best friend, often the one who follows Phil’s lead. The two share banter and their humour adds lightness to the play.
Mr. Curry: Phil despises Mr. Curry, his immediate superior. Their relationship is strained by Phil’s discontent and defiance.
Lucille: Phil has a complicated relationship with Lucille, an office girl he has feelings for, further revealing his vulnerability and depth as a character.

Phil’s character undergoes significant changes, and his journey seems to be a critique of the class structure of the 1950s.
His rebellious spirit remains constant, but his antics increasingly show his desperation to escape the life he’s trapped in.
These continual struggles present a picture of the overall bleakness of working-class life.

Phil can be seen as a symbol of the aspiring working class youth of the time who aim to break the social barriers, aspiring for a life outside the factory.
His character provides a deep insight into the struggles of the working class, their dreams, rebellions, frustrations, and the harsh realities they face.