The Convicts

The play is what is often referred to as an “ensemble” piece, in that there is not necessarily a central character or protagonist. There are several characters whose choices drive the story and plot, or are the focus of important scenes, and might be seen as such a character. They include Mary, Liz, and Lieutenant Clark. An argument could be made that Clark is, in fact, protagonist-like because of how important his actions are to the plot and to the development of the play’s themes. There is also the sense that he is protagonist-like because of the breadth and type of his journey of transformation. On the other hand, it is arguable, and perhaps more relevant to the play’s overall themes, to suggests that as a group, the convicts are the play’s central characters.

For example, Lieutenant Clark does not need redemption, but the...