- Hector = Teacher
- Hector is a comedy character due to his physicality "flamboyant"
- eccentric - bow tie
- makes the play a slapstick comedy when he hits the boys
- Dakin = Student
- There is clear characterisation of Dakin- called a pretty boy and it becomes clear he enjoys the attention of the teachers
- it soon becomes clear that Dakin is Hectors FAVOURITE student
- Posner = Student
- There is also clear characterisation of Posner - typical brown nose
- envious of Hectors preference for Dakin
- bit of an outcast
- confesses he is gay to Irwin
- Irwin = Teacher
- The introduction of a new teacher creates a rivalry between Hector and Irwin
- Irwin is an outsider among the staff which helps create a bond between Posner
- His new form of teaching sparks rebellious thoughts among the students but they soon begin to adopt his way of thinking.
- When the boys quote "King Lear" this feeds Hectors eccentricity but also is a credit to him as he would have taught them the play. It also shows respect and his authority.
- We learn that Hector grooms the boys on his motorcycle. This is a major issue in today's society, so why do the boys act like its normal? Matters are made worse when asks for a lift home saying "it's Wednesday sir" this shows how often it happens and how the boys do not actually avoid it.
- Hector and Irwin debate the nature of education. This highlights their differences in methods of teaching. Hector shows that he wants the boys to be cultured whereas Irwin is just focusing on making sure the boys pass the exam
- Throughout the play we also begin to see a hierarchy form in the group with Dakin as the leader and Rudge as at the bottom.
Essay ideas
i) To what extent is the History boys a tragedy
ii) How is the History boys a current take on modern issues
