Fences

by

August Wilson

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Mr. Rand Character Analysis

Mr. Rand is Troy and Bono’s manager/overseer at the garbage collection company. Troy confronts Mr. Rand about the racism he perceives in the workplace: that exclusively whites are hired to drive the garbage trucks, while blacks are only hired to collect and carry the garbage. Ultimately, Troy’s complaint gets noticed by the garbage company, since the union to which he and Bono belong pressure it into giving him a position as a driver. Troy says that Mr. Rand had a difficult time getting out the words when delivering him the news of his promotion.
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Mr. Rand Character Timeline in Fences

The timeline below shows where the character Mr. Rand appears in Fences. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Act 1: Scene 1
Blackness and Race Relations Theme Icon
...a watermelon beneath his shirt, was questioned about the watermelon by a white man, Mr. Rand. But the man carrying the watermelon denied having a watermelon on him, and, in response,... (full context)
Blackness and Race Relations Theme Icon
Practicality, Idealism, and Race Theme Icon
Manhood and Fathers Theme Icon
...because he saw a union representative (likely for the black garbage collectors) talking to Mr. Rand (Troy and his fellow collectors’ boss). As Troy and Bono talk, we learn that Troy... (full context)
Act 1: Scene 3
Blackness and Race Relations Theme Icon
Practicality, Idealism, and Race Theme Icon
Manhood and Fathers Theme Icon
Family, Duty, and Betrayal Theme Icon
...the bargain.” Troy then compares his relationship with his son to his relationship to Mr. Rand, saying that Rand doesn’t pay Troy because he likes him, but rather because he’s obligated... (full context)
Act 1: Scene 4
Blackness and Race Relations Theme Icon
Practicality, Idealism, and Race Theme Icon
...enter the yard. Troy is carrying a bottle of alcohol, and they’re talking about Mr. Rand. Bono says he couldn’t believe the look on Rand’s face, earlier that day, when he... (full context)
Family, Duty, and Betrayal Theme Icon
Troy claims that Rand thought the office where he filed his complaint would simply fire Troy, based on Rand’s... (full context)