3. PROFILE
An Italian-American who is true to his ethnic identity.
Well educated man that studies and respects American law.
Loyal to Italian customs.
Works as a lawyer in Brooklyn.
4. NARRATION
Alfieri has tells the story for his own reasons as much as anyone else's
He does not find a conclusion after telling the Carbone story
Alfieri informs the audience and provides commentary on what is happening in the
story.
The description of the people within the play and narration at the beginning of every
scene change helps to distinguish the short chapters of the tale
Frames the play as a form of a modern fairy tale.
He is the teller of and incredible story that he cannot change.
5. ROLE AS LAWYER
Alfieri seems to be on the side of American law. He is the voice of reason.
When Eddie first comes to him for help, Alfieri tells him, "You have no recourse in the law”
There's nothing illegal about Catherine and Rodolfo's relationship. He advises Eddie to forget
about it and let Catherine live her own life.
when the lawyer goes to bail out Rodolfo and Marco, he makes Marco promise to not take
revenge on Eddie. Alfieri tells him that "Only God" has the right to judge such things.
6. TIMELINE
Brings play together almost like a narrator, starts the play with a monologue
which introduces the audience to the play and our protagonist.
He advises Eddie and helps Marco and Rodolpho.
He also ends the play with a lamentation for Eddie.
He is cast as the chorus part in Eddie's tragedy.
7. RELATIONSHIP WITH
CHARACTERS
Eddie: Eddie comes to Alfieri for help about Catherine and Rodolfo and
he advises him to let her make her own decisions which goes against what
Eddie wants.
Marco and Rodolpho: Alfieri bails them out of jail, showing that he is loyal
to his fellow Italian Americans.
Alfieri admittedly cannot help Eddie Carbone, but must powerlessly watch
the tragic events unfold before him.