Shawshank

Characters

14 total

Floyd

Inmate

Floyd is a minor supporting character in 'The Shawshank Redemption', part of Red's gang at Shawshank State Prison. He is depicted as a long-serving convict who engages in various activities with his fellow inmates. Throughout the years, Floyd is seen taking bets with the gang, commenting on events within the prison, and sharing laughter with friends like Red, Andy, Heywood, and others. His character adds depth to the camaraderie and the life of inmates at Shawshank.

Jake

Companion

Jake is a black crow and the beloved pet of Brooks Hatlen, the Shawshank Prison librarian. Rescued as a chick after falling from his nest and nursing back to health by Brooks, Jake becomes a symbol of companionship and loyalty. Brooks forms a deep bond with Jake, feeding him maggots from prison food and cherishing their time together. Upon receiving parole, Brooks faces the heart-wrenching decision to free Jake, knowing that he must let his closest friend go. After Brooks' release, he often visits the park, hoping to spot Jake among the birds, reflecting on their friendship and the sorrow of their separation. Jake ultimately flies away and is never seen again, leaving a lasting impact on Brooks' life.

Rooster

Villain

Rooster, also known as Rooster McBride, was a member of the Bull Queer gang known as The Sisters, notorious for their violent and predatory behavior in Shawshank prison. He was a strong and well-built man who acted as the muscle for the gang, often targeting vulnerable prisoners. Rooster played a pivotal role in the gang's attempts to assault Andy Dufresne, but his aggression was met with resistance when Andy retaliated and broke his nose with a film reel. After suffering a loss at the hands of Andy, Rooster, along with the other members of The Sisters, ceased their attacks on him out of fear following the paralysis of Bogs, another gang member. In the novel, Rooster's backstory reveals him as a dangerous individual serving time for the brutal murder of his stepdaughter, implying that he was too dangerous to be released from prison.

Heywood

Inmate

Heywood is one of the three tritagonists in 'The Shawshank Redemption,' portrayed by William Sadler. He is a member of Red's gang and a long-sentence serving convict in Shawshank prison. First seen in 1947, he is noted for his betting antics and becomes friends with fellow inmate Andy Dufresne. Throughout the film, Heywood displays a mix of insensitivity and compassion, showing genuine concern for his friends, particularly after witnessing the tragic fate of Brooks Hatlen, another inmate. Despite his initial disdain for Andy, he grows to respect and admire him, even playing a crucial role in Andy's escape. His character embodies the complexities of prison life, showcasing both the harsh realities and the bonds formed among inmates.

1957 Parole Hearings Man

Parole board member

The 1957 Parole Hearings Man is a character from 'The Shawshank Redemption.' He serves on the parole board that ultimately denies the parole of the character Red for the second time. His inquiry into Red's rehabilitation showcases his role as a gatekeeper of justice and reflects the often rigid and bureaucratic nature of the parole system. His character represents the challenges faced by those seeking redemption and freedom after incarceration.

Bogs Diamond

Tertiary Antagonist

Bogs Diamond is a notorious antagonist from 'The Shawshank Redemption', serving as the leader of a gang of prison rapists known as the Sisters. He targets Andy Dufresne shortly after his arrival in Shawshank Prison, attempting to assert dominance through violent and brutal means. Despite his attempts, Andy's resilience leads to a confrontation that results in Bogs being severely beaten by prison guards, leaving him paralyzed and ultimately ending his threat. His character represents the dark realities of prison life and the struggle for power among inmates.

Brooks Hatlen

Librarian

Brooks Hatlen is a character from 'The Shawshank Redemption' who served a lengthy prison sentence of 50 years. Known for his caring nature, he maintained a bond with a pet crow named Jake, which symbolized his connection to the past. After being paroled, Brooks struggles to adapt to life outside prison, finding himself lonely and overwhelmed by the rapid changes in the world. His inability to cope with freedom leads to tragic consequences, highlighting the struggles of those who have been institutionalized. Brooks's story serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of companionship and the challenges faced by inmates reintegrating into society.

Joe

Antagonist

Joe, a member of the notorious group known as 'The Sisters', is a Bull Queer character who derives pleasure from dominating others, particularly targeting men without their consent. He revels in the struggle of his victims, often referred to as 'wigglers', and seeks thrill in their attempts to escape. Joe's sadistic nature is showcased in his interactions, highlighting a disturbing disregard for the humanity of his victims. In Shawshank prison, he is part of a violent subculture that instills fear among inmates, especially after a brutal confrontation with Captain Hadley that alters the dynamics of power within the prison.

Byron Hadley

Captain of the Prison Guard

Captain Byron Hadley is the corrupt and sadistic Captain of the Prison Guard at Shawshank State Penitentiary, serving as the secondary antagonist in 'The Shawshank Redemption'. Known for his brutal treatment of inmates, he is a feared figure who often abuses his authority with little regard for human life. Hadley becomes involved with Andy Dufresne when Andy helps him with his financial troubles, but his cruelty remains unrestrained, leading to further violence. After Andy's escape, Hadley faces arrest for his actions and is left to confront the consequences of his brutality in prison.

Elmo Blatch

Serial Killer and Robber

Elmo Blatch is a notorious serial killer who plays a pivotal role in the story of 'Shawshank Redemption.' Initially appearing as a cellmate in Shawshank Prison, he brags about his heinous crimes, including the murder of golf pro Glenn Quintin, which he committed to rob him. Blatch's actions lead to the wrongful imprisonment of Andy Dufresne, as he frames Andy for the murder using a .38 revolver. With a background that includes a brief stint working at a country club, Blatch's character is marked by his arrogance and a sense of paranoia, reflecting on his tumultuous life. Despite his incarceration, he remains an unsettling figure who has evaded justice for his crimes.

Joe Riley

Inmate

Joseph 'Joe' Riley is a character from the movie adaptation of The Shawshank Redemption. He is portrayed as an inmate who is seen observing fellow prisoners Andy Dufresne and Red as they walk around the courtyard. Joe's intentions remain ambiguous, and his appearance is somewhat unusual as he does not have a counterpart in the original novella. His subtle presence adds to the atmosphere of the prison environment, highlighting the dynamics between the main characters.

Linda Collins-Dufresne

Wife of Andy Dufresne

Linda Collins-Dufresne is a character from 'The Shawshank Redemption', known primarily for her tumultuous relationship with her husband, Andy Dufresne. Her affair with the wealthy golf player Glenn Quentin ultimately leads to tragic events that shape the narrative of the story. Despite being a secondary character, her actions and choices significantly impact the course of Andy's life, culminating in his wrongful conviction for murder. She represents betrayal, desire, and the complexities of marital relationships.

Samuel Norton

Antagonist

Warden Samuel Norton is the corrupt and heartless warden of Shawshank State Prison, serving as the main antagonist in both the novella 'Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption' and its 1994 film adaptation 'The Shawshank Redemption'. He presents himself as a devout Christian and a no-nonsense authority figure, but this is a facade to maintain his public image. In reality, he runs the prison with an iron fist, using violence and intimidation to control the inmates. Norton's character is marked by his ruthless pursuit of power and wealth, engaging in embezzlement and exploitation of inmate labor for his own gain. His story culminates in a tragic end, where he takes his own life in fear of exposure after his corruption is revealed.

Randall Stephens is a fictional alias used by Andy Dufresne to obscure his connection to a major criminal operation involving the warden of Shawshank Prison. After escaping from prison, Andy adopts this identity to access the funds that the warden has illicitly deposited in various banks. His cunning and resourcefulness allow him to navigate complex situations, ultimately using this persona to facilitate his escape to Mexico.