Joxer Daly
Comic
Boyle's drinking “butty” Joxer is a comical character, a caricatureAn exaggerated characterisation of someone. A stereotype or archetype could be a caricature. Often used to mock or satirise a type of person. always trying to ingratiateTo bring yourself or someone else into favour with others through flattery, favours, or generally trying to please them. himself with others.
Like Boyle, he avoids working. Because of this - and the fact they are always drinking together - Juno detests him.
His instinct for self-preservation when he hides from her and his ability to change his demeanourAn outward behaviour or way someone presents around others. when talking to her are humorous. In these situations the audience can see his swift changes in opinion and personality.
Like Captain Boyle, Joxer is a hypocriteA person who claims to have beliefs and principles that they do not actually possess, and whose words and actions contradict these beliefs..
He is portrayed as a coward in his interactions with Juno. He also refuses to look out the window for fear of “a bullet in the kisser”.
Yet he is often seen singing about bravery with lyrics like “Let me like a soldier fall...”
Also, when Joxer brings in "Needle" Nugent - the tailor who wants paid for the clothes he made for Boyle - he shows himself to be two-faced as he ridicules his supposed friend and steals his stout, blaming Nugent for this.
This blatant hypocrisy - while showing Joxer in a very negative light - provides comedy even at the darkest moments of the play.
Fickle
Joxer is the ultimate hanger-onA person who associates with others in order to gain something or because the association itself is advantageous in some way.. Because of this he must make sure he remains - or seems to remain - loyal to Boyle, and indeed Juno, when he needs to.
In his attempt to ingratiate himself with others, especially Boyle, he becomes an incessant 'yes-man’. He makes statements like “You’re afther takin’ the word out o’ me mouth” even after holding opposing opinions earlier in the play.
He changes his attitude to Father Farrell to match Boyle’s views, he goes along with the Captain’s belief in his sea-faring days, and his ingratiating mannerismA distinctive way of behaving, such as habitual gestures. and sycophanticActing in a way positively towards authority that is not sincere, in order to gain something or because doing so is advantageous. words support Boyle in his own self-delusion.
He pretends to be a true friend, with sentimental phrases such as “me for you, an’ you for me”. However, he reveals his true self when Boyle disowns him, mocking the Captain’s sea-faring tales.
He also criticises Boyle as “Lookin’ for work, an’ prayin’ to God he won’t get it!”. He conspires with Nugent against Boyle and he refers to him as “Jacky Boyle, Esquire, infernal rogue an’ damned liar."
While much of this is comedic, it highlights Joxer’s fickle nature.
