Mickey Shea Character Analysis

An alcoholic Irishman, the longtime close friend of Eddies’ mother and father. Mickey is impulsive, festive, and lonely. Mickey helps Eddie’s father get his job at Ruby Pier, and when Eddie is born, he gives his parents money for their financial struggles. He is affectionate with Eddie, though often too rough. Mickey’s lowest point is when he loses his job, gets drunk, and tries to rape Eddie’s mother. Eddie’s father chases him down to kill him, but when he sees Mickey falling into the ocean and drowning, he saves him instead. Mickey dies alone and drunk, overwhelmed by guilt for his actions.