Henry Smart
No question about it: Henry is the star of his story. He is a young street urchin in Ireland during the height of “the Troubles” in the early part of the 20th century. The story traces his rise from barely surviving on the streets to interacting with some of the most famous names in the historical record of those turbulent times as he becomes a soldier working for Irish independence from Britain as a member of the IRA.
Michael Collins
Collins was the real-life charismatic leader of the movement for Irish independence. He rose from soldier to politician to legend as he was assassinated while holding the position of leadership within the Provisional Government of the Irish Free State.
James Connolly
Another historical figure with whom Henry crosses paths is James Connolly. In addition to being a leader in the fight for Irish independence, he was also in his capacity as a member of the Industrial Workers of the World (the Wobblies) a leader in the burgeoning Socialist movement of the time. Due to his central prominence in organizing and carrying out the Easter Rising rebellion of 1916, he was executed by firing squad.
Victor
Victor is Henry’s younger brother. Victor idolizes his older sibling while Henry, Victor is the only person he’d ever been genuinely close to before falling in with his compatriots in the struggle for Irish independence. But Victor’s story is a tragedy that reaches its conclusion even before Henry’s story really begins.
