Antagonist

Character Role Analysis

Barney Kelly

Barney Kelly's shadow hangs over the entirety of An American Dream. As the novel goes on, we realize that Kelly has influenced Rojack's life in ways he doesn't entirely understand. Then, of course, the revelation of his weird relationship with Deborah makes us dislike him even more. Even if you're not fond of Rojack, you have to admit that Kelly is an even nastier dude. And since he tries to kill our main man, Kelly's definitely this book's antagonist.