Common Man All Seasons

In A Man for All Seasons, the Common Man is a very complex character. He serves as a narrator of sorts, coming in and out of the story as different characters. Three of his most influential characters are the steward, the boatman, and the jailor. Through these characters, the Common Man exhibits dishonesty, and self centeredness. The Common Man is a very interesting character to analyze.

In the beginning of the play, the Common Man plays Matthew, More’s steward. This is the character that the Common Man is best known for. Matthew’s opinion on More shifts from day to day. He readily sells out More, but quickly feels guilty upon hearing More’s affection for him. Matthew is willing to sell out More’s secrets, for the price of a bribe. Although he does have respect for More, his greed overcomes this. He says, ‘ What I can tell them is common knowledge! But now they’ve given money for it and everyone wants value for his money.’The Playwright obviously thinks of this character as a naive, self absorbed young man. Although it may not be done with wicked intent, the steward is willing to turn in More for mere bribery. …show more content…
The boatman tries to scam, or overcharge More for his trip. He keeps insisting ‘Some people think boats stay afloat on their own, sir, but they don’t; they cost money.’ Despite the fact that More frequently travels with this boatman, the boatman is trying to raise his price, for seemingly no reason. This is another example of the Common Man's greed. The playwright is depicting an older man who is tired, and a bit of a cheat. He may just be trying to fund his family, but he has been corrupted by greed, and is cheating