In the Name of the Father - Characters & Cast

Initially, his motivation is survival and a sense of profound, personal injustice. After his father's death, his motivation becomes singular and pure: to posthumously prove Giuseppe's innocence and honor his memory, a quest he pursues "in the name of the father."

Gerry begins as a directionless petty criminal in Belfast, resentful of his father and interested only in hedonistic pursuits. His wrongful imprisonment shatters him, initially turning his anger inward and lashing out at his father. Over 15 years, influenced by Giuseppe's quiet dignity and the stark brutality of IRA operative Joe McAndrew, he matures. He educates himself, takes over his father's legal campaign after his death, and transforms into a determined, articulate activist who vows to clear his father's name.

His motivations are clear and constant: to protect his son, to prove their innocence through legal and peaceful means, and to live with honesty and integrity, even within the corrupt prison system. He is driven by a deep sense of paternal duty and faith.

Giuseppe is a static character whose unwavering morality serves as the film's anchor. He is introduced as a gentle, devout, and honest man who is deeply concerned for his wayward son. Despite being unjustly imprisoned and suffering from a fatal lung condition, his faith in justice and his love for Gerry never waver. He tirelessly works on their legal appeal. His arc is one of tragic martyrdom; he dies in prison, but his spirit and principles are what ultimately redeem his son and lead to their exoneration.

Gareth is motivated by a powerful belief in justice and a deep-seated outrage at the evidence of a state cover-up. She is driven to uncover the truth and rectify a profound wrong, not for personal glory, but because it is the right thing to do.

Gareth Peirce is a tenacious and compassionate solicitor who takes on the Conlons' case. She is initially drawn in by Giuseppe's quiet determination. Her arc is one of discovery, as she peels back layers of police and government corruption. She transforms from a lawyer handling a seemingly hopeless appeal into a crusading agent of truth who exposes the conspiracy at the highest levels, embodying the ideal of what the legal system should be.