Break Of Day Characters

Break of day is a war novel written by Australian author Tony Palmer. In the novel we are introduced to the main protagonist Murray Barrett who is a man faced with difficult situation before, during and after WW1. We as an audience, are able to understand what Palmer is trying to articulate through specific points in the novel such as family, death and bravery. Throughout the novel Murray’s bravery is tested constantly, the end result normally proving to be that he is a coward. Murray’s family also have a huge impact on his behaviour and self recognition. Death’s both in and out of family also gives us some sort of idea as to why Murray is who he is.

Murray Barrett often felt like nothing to the people in his family, even though they helped him through some pretty tough times. Palmer states that family, even though we don’t realise it at times, are our best allies. Like Australia and England when we need back up, our family will always be there. In the chapter “Marching” true family spirit is shown when Uncle Jack stands up to a man when he tries to hit Mrs Barrett. A similar form of spirit is shown in the

During the chapter “Paddy” we start to see Murray’s weaker side. When his Father asks him to shoot the Dog Paddy he freaks out and hands the gun over to his big Brother Will. In the chapter “Flight” however we see more of his braver side coming out. In this chapter Murray and his group of friends stop to help a fallen soldier. Also in the chapter “Break of day” Murray stays beside his arch nemesis Sid. During the War These events show us that even the weak can be strong and the ones considered cowardly can be brave. All difficult situations aside through Palmer’s words, we are able to truly understand that what doesn't kill you makes you