Terry On The Waterfront Character Analysis

In the start of the film, Terry is seen as lazy and selfish and due to the way he is treated by others in the community, Terry also believes himself to be nothing more then a bum. Since he is no longer his own man, but rather a person for Friendly to take advantage of, Terry is even held in a lower regard then the homeless man outside the church who refuses his charity and calls him a bum. Through this event, terry negative self-perception by suggesting that despite the guarantie of security and money that comes with being loyal to Friendly’s gang. Even the life of an impoverished beggar is preferable to the life that Terry is living, as the beggar is at least outside the influence of the mob, and free of the mental conflict and distress which results from being involved in such an unjust system. …show more content…
Which are revealed through his guilt for his involvement in Joey’s murder and the way he looks after and cares for his pigeons, not many people see this in Terry, as these redeeming qualities are not shown by the foreboding reputation of the corrupt in the waterfront. On top of being distance within the town, Terry is even at the bottom of the food chain in Friendly’s mob, and he feels as though he is worthless and disposable amongst the other gang members who insult his intelligence: “What mind? The only education he ever got was the Ref counting to ten.” Terry’s body language and speech are also key indicators of his development throughout the film, because initially, his outward behaviour is reserved and unsure. But eventually, Terry is able to stand tall, proud, and is confident in a speech: “I ain’t a bum Edie. I’m gonna go down there and get my rights.” Such a high self-confidence and understanding of his duty was lacking in the opening scenes of the film, and as a result. Terry later has a conversation with his brother Charlie with these word said Charley; Look, kid, I - how much you weigh,