Blood Brothers (Grades 9–1) York Notes

The central character, a single mother with several children who struggles with poverty and so decides to give one of her twins to Mrs Lyons.

Lives in wealth and comfort but is unhappy that she cannot have children, so arranges to take one of the twins, setting in motion the events of the play leading to her mental decline.

The twin Mrs Johnstone keeps, a lively boy who befriends Edward but falls into crime, goes to prison and becomes dependent on drugs.

Becomes Mrs Lyons’s son after Mrs Johnstone gives him away, a serious boy who enjoys playing with Mickey and falls in love with Linda.

A lively, fun-loving girl, who becomes friends with Mickey and Edward, then marries Mickey and has his child but eventually realises her love for Edward.