1. Complex Personality: Mrs. Johnstone is a complicated character who displays both positive and negative traits. She is caring, compassionate, and fiercely protective of her children, especially Mickey and Eddie. However, she is also susceptible to impulsiveness, poor judgment, and a sense of desperation due to her difficult circumstances.
2. Economic Struggle: Mrs. Johnstone is a single mother who faces extreme poverty and social hardship. She works multiple jobs to support her family, often struggling to make ends meet. Her economic situation significantly influences her decisions throughout the play.
3. Love for Her Children: Despite the challenges she faces, Mrs. Johnstone deeply loves her children. She is devoted to their well-being and makes sacrifices to provide for them. However, her love is sometimes overwhelming and leads to misguided actions.
4. Heartbreaking Dilemma: Mrs. Johnstone is faced with a heartbreaking dilemma when she decides to give away one of her twin sons, Eddie, to a well-off couple, the Lyons, in exchange for money. This choice haunts her throughout the play and contributes to her tragic fate.
5. Emotional Instability: The pressure of her circumstances and the guilt of her actions take a toll on Mrs. Johnstone's emotional stability. She experiences a range of emotions, including despair, anger, and even moments of delusion, as she tries to cope with the consequences of her choices.
6. Symbol of Social Injustice: Mrs. Johnstone represents the harsh realities faced by many working-class families in Britain during that period. Her story highlights the social and economic disparities that can drive people to make desperate decisions.
7. Tragic Ending: Mrs. Johnstone's character arc ultimately leads to a tragic end, as her decisions and circumstances catch up with her. Her story evokes empathy and contemplation about the complexities of human nature and the consequences of individual choices in a world shaped by societal inequalities.
Overall, Mrs. Johnstone is a layered and sympathetic character whose struggles, vulnerabilities, and love for her children make her a compelling figure in the play "Blood Brothers."