The story of The Cripple of Inishmaan is a very intriguing one, as it seeks to break down a few conventional assumptions and expectations that we, the readers, might have. This is especially evident in the way McDonagh treats Billy as a character who is the protagonist, but not necessarily a conventional hero. The fact that Billy is presented as the laughing stock of his people, because of his physical and mental disfigurations, is very important to how the rest of the story plays out.
             The author begs sympathy for his protagonist, Billy, by making him the subject of discrimination by friends and family alike. The scene where two old women search, without any success, for a redeeming quality in Billy is perhaps the most telling in regard to building a character.
             I perceived Billy as the weak and incompetent boy he is made out to be until close to the end of the story. When we find out the truth behind Billy's whole American movie star escapade, Billy appears much more of a cognitive, even manipulative character in the context of the play. His will and determination are admirable qualities that McDonagh lets shine brighter in their juxtaposition with his disabilities. The fact that Billy was able to change the attitudes of those around him (especially regarding himself) shows great strength of character in Billy, even if he wasn't always honest in achieving what he did.
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