Character Analysis Of August Wilson's Fences

August Wilson’s original drama Fences rightfully deserves the many accolades it has received throughout its legacy. The substantial cast of characters all contribute to the overall plot of the story by furthering it altogether. However, in terms of overall character development, there is one such character that sticks out the most amongst the rest. This character is none other than Troy and Rose’s son Cory. Although Cory doesn’t play a pivotal role in the story, his growth as a human being is undeniable. Cory progresses in ways that reflect his character; in the sense that he strives for greater things, but is halted by various impediments along the way. He demonstrates this by realizing the negativity in his life, standing up to his father,

This of course, deriving mainly from his father. For example, Cory excels at sports such as football and baseball. However, growing up during the era before that of Civil Rights, his father experienced many hardships dealing with segregation and racism. Naturally, much to the dismay of Cory, his father resents the idea of Cory playing on a sports team in order to avoid this issue. Unbeknownst to Troy however, times are changing and racism is slowly being negated as a result. The text supports this claim by stating “If they got a white fellow on the bench...you can bet your last dollar he can’t play! The colored guy got to be twice as good before he get on the team.” and “They got colored on the team and don’t use them. Same as not having them. All them teams the same.” (Wilson 18). These statements, of course, come from a damaged man who experienced these struggles firsthand as a colored member of society. However, these precautions come at the cost of Cory’s various sports opportunities, and he realizes that. So he takes matters into his own hands and takes

After some years pass, the scene takes the reader to the Maxson household as the family prepares for Troy’s funeral. Cory arrives on the scene in the midst of his family’s preparations, dressed in his Marines attire. It is then revealed that he has no intention to attend the funeral due to his father practically putting him through Hell growing up. However, after a rather deep and lengthy conversation with his mother Rose and brother Lyons, he decides to attend regardless. Proving that he’d rather be a man and set a good example for his new baby sister Raynell, than hurt an already damaged