"Trouble sticks together."
Brassic - Characters & Cast
Character Analysis
Vincent "Vinnie" O'Neill
Joseph Gilgun
Motivation
Vinnie's primary motivation is to provide for his friends and, later, for his son. He is driven by a fierce loyalty to his found family and a deep-seated desire to prove he can be more than his mental health diagnosis. His love for Erin is a constant motivator, pushing him to try to be a better man, even when he continually falls short.
Character Arc
Vinnie begins as the charismatic, chaotic leader of a criminal gang, whose life is dictated by his bipolar disorder and a desperate need for cash. His arc is a journey toward self-acceptance and responsibility. Initially, he runs from his feelings and the consequences of his actions. Over the seasons, through therapy and his profound love for Erin and their son, Tyler, he learns to manage his mental health more effectively. He evolves from a man defined by his illness and his past into a reluctant but dedicated father and a more stable leader, trying to build a life rather than just survive it.
Erin Croft
Michelle Keegan
Motivation
Erin's unwavering motivation is to create a secure and promising future for her son. This initially translates into a desire for financial stability and a life away from crime. As the series progresses, her motivation evolves to include protecting her friends and building a stable life within the community she once sought to flee.
Character Arc
Erin starts the series determined to escape Hawley with her son, Tyler, viewing the town and the gang's lifestyle as a dead end. Her arc is one of re-evaluating her definition of a 'better life.' Initially seeing Vinnie and the gang as an obstacle, she gradually recognizes their unwavering support as her true safety net. She becomes more embroiled in their schemes but also emerges as the group's moral compass and strategic mind. Her journey is about reconciling her ambition with her deep affection for her roots and the people in her life, particularly Vinnie, as she accepts that her heart belongs in Hawley.
Dylan Golding
Damien Molony
Motivation
Dylan is motivated by his love for Erin and his deep-seated loyalty to Vinnie. He's torn between the domestic stability Erin represents and the chaotic brotherhood he shares with Vinnie. This conflicting motivation is his central struggle, as he tries to satisfy both sides of his life, ultimately failing to fully commit to either.
Character Arc
Dylan is Vinnie's best friend and Erin's long-term boyfriend at the start of the series. He is the 'brains' of the operation, often caught between the thrill of the scams and the desire for a normal, legitimate life with Erin. His arc is tragic; he struggles to break free from Vinnie's magnetic pull and the criminal lifestyle. This internal conflict ultimately leads to his departure from the main group, as he is unable to reconcile his two worlds, leaving a void in the gang and in Vinnie's life. He makes a guest appearance in Season 5, showing the lasting consequences of his choices.