Sing Street - Characters & Cast

Initially, his motivation is simple: to get the attention of Raphina. This quickly evolves into a deeper need for self-expression and an escape from the oppressive realities of his home and school life. Ultimately, he is motivated by a desire to create a new life for himself and Raphina, fueled by love and artistic ambition.

Conor begins as a shy, sensitive boy trying to cope with his family's collapse. The need to impress Raphina pushes him out of his comfort zone, and through the process of creating a band, he transforms into the confident and expressive "Cosmo." He learns to stand up to bullies and authority figures, channels his personal pain into his art, and ultimately becomes courageous enough to take a massive risk for his future. His journey is one of finding his voice, both literally and figuratively.

Her primary motivation is to escape her difficult life in Dublin and become a successful model in London. She is drawn to Conor's genuine passion and creativity, which offers her a more hopeful and authentic path towards that dream than her unreliable older boyfriend.

Raphina is introduced as a mysterious, über-cool aspiring model who appears worldly and confident. Her arc involves the gradual peeling away of this protective facade to reveal a vulnerable young woman with her own troubled family background and shattered dreams. Initially the object of Conor's affection, she becomes his collaborator and is inspired by his optimism to regain hope in her own aspirations, moving from a passive muse to an active participant in their shared dream of escape.

Brendan is motivated by a fierce love for his younger brother and a desire to see him succeed where he failed. He is also driven by a deep-seated frustration with his own inaction and the limitations of their life in Dublin. He wants Conor to break free from the patterns of failure that have defined their family.

Brendan is a college dropout who appears to be a cynical stoner, but is revealed to be the film's philosophical and emotional anchor. He has a deep love and knowledge of music, which he uses to mentor Conor. His arc is largely internal and tragic; he sees his own failed potential but channels his wisdom and frustration into ensuring Conor does not make the same mistakes. His final act of helping Conor and Raphina escape is a moment of profound, selfless love, allowing him to vicariously achieve the freedom he couldn't find for himself.

Eamon's motivation is simply the love of playing music. While he shares the general desire to escape Dublin, his primary drive is the creative process itself. He is the technical and musical foundation upon which Conor's lyrical ambitions are built.

Eamon is the quiet, multi-talented musical engine of Sing Street. He can play every instrument and is able to translate Conor's lyrical ideas into fully-formed songs. His arc is subtle; he starts as a reserved boy with a strange love for rabbits and grows into a confident musician and loyal friend. He represents the pure, unadulterated joy of making music, separate from the romantic or rebellious motivations of Conor.