Both actors received Tony awards for their performances. Washington starred in the play’s revival in 2010.

James Earl Jones starred in the original 1987 run of Fences on Broadway. Before Fences was a feature film, it was a Broadway play. Troy Maxson has been privy to some great performances over the years, from actors like James Earl Jones and Denzel Washington. It’s this very dichotomy that makes Maxson’s characterization so good. On the other, he prevents his children from success. On one hand, he wants the best for his children. Troy Maxson is a great character because he’s a walking contradiction. One of the reasons why the Fences script works so well is because its characters are layered with complexity. The clouds open up and the sun begins to shine.įences Script Takeaway #1 Fences characters are complex Peter to open the gates of Heaven for his brother’s arrival. Before the procession leaves for the cemetery, Gabriel returns and tells St. Years later, the entire family gathers to lay Troy to rest. After an intense fight with Troy, Cory leaves to join the Marines. Rose agrees to raise the baby girl with Troy as long as he leaves her alone. Rose finds out that Troy committed Gabriel to a mental institution and took his military pension. Cory tackles Troy and the two get into a fight. Troy tells Rose that he’s going to father another woman’s (Alberta) baby. Troy reflects back on the abuse he endured as a young man and explains why he’s so tough on his children. Lyons pays back the money he borrowed - much to Troy’s surprise. Troy is granted a promotion at work - much to everyone’s surprise. Cory expresses interest in leaving to play college football, a notion which Troy vehemently shuts down. Troy and his son Cory work together to put up a fence up in the backyard. Peter and that he’ll be admitted to heaven upon death. The neighborhood watches as Gabriel tells Troy that his name is written in the book of St. As a result, both he and Troy live off the government pension. Gabriel suffered a severe injury in World War II. The next morning, Troy’s brother Gabriel visits. Troy reluctantly gives Lyons money but laments on how he’ll never get it back. Troy scolds Lyons for visiting only when he needs money - meanwhile Troy’s current wife Rose offers sympathy to him. Troy’s eldest son Lyons visits and asks for money. After an upsetting day of work, Troy and his kindred co-worker Bono reflect on current affairs over a bottle of gin. Troy is a 53-year-old garbage collector who is weary of the world. Here is the story structure for the Fences screenplay: Exposition STORY BREAKDOWN STRUCTURE OF Fences SCREENPLAY

Fences by august wilson