# Goosey — Banjo character guide

> Goosey in Banjo by Claude McKay.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Lustily Goosey

**First appearance:** 0003-i-the-ditch

## Snapshot

A flute-playing beach boy whose hospital scare turned him cautious, Goosey carries the gang's music and its gossip from the ward back to the terrace.

## Who they are

Goosey plays solo flute in Banjo's orchestra and blows the mouth of it clean between tunes, but illness has thinned him to a skeleton in a loose brown suit. He returns from the hospital careful and retired, lectured by the consul for quitting his ship. It is Goosey who brings word that Bugsy lies sick in a lodging-house, pulling the gang back toward the alleys they thought they'd left.

## Relationships

### [Banjo](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/banjo_se/characters/banjo)

_friendship_

Banjo and Goosey are loyal companions, often sharing lighthearted moments and mutual trust.

### [Ray](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/banjo_se/characters/ray)

_friendship_

Goosey and Ray are easygoing friends, often sharing jokes and a sense of adventure.

### [Ray](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/banjo_se/characters/ray)

_friendship_

Goosey and Ray are easygoing friends, often sharing jokes and a sense of adventure.

### [Banjo](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/banjo_se/characters/banjo)

_friendship_

Banjo and Goosey are loyal companions, often sharing lighthearted moments and mutual trust.

### [Banjo](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/banjo_se/characters/banjo)

_friendship_

Banjo and Goosey are loyal companions, often sharing lighthearted moments and mutual trust.

### [Ray](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/banjo_se/characters/ray)

_friendship_

Goosey and Ray are easygoing friends, often sharing jokes and a sense of adventure.

## In the story

### [VII: The Flute-Boy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/banjo_se/chapters/vii-the-flute-boy)

The flute-boy, newly named, shares his story of being swindled and discusses race politics with the group.

### [VIII: A Carved Carrot](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/banjo_se/chapters/viii-a-carved-carrot)

Plays the flute, contributing to the musical sessions, and engages in playful banter with Banjo.

### [IX: Taloufa's Shirttail](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/banjo_se/chapters/ix-taloufa-s-shirttail)

Sings in the band and is part of the group at the hangout.

### [X: Storytelling](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/banjo_se/chapters/x-storytelling)

Questions Ray's intentions, fearing that writing about black life could be used against the race.

### [XII: Bugsy's Chinese Pie](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/banjo_se/chapters/xii-bugsy-s-chinese-pie)

Mentions his good teeth and likes French bread.

### [XIV: Telling Jokes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/banjo_se/chapters/xiv-telling-jokes)

Argues with Ray about race jokes and race pride, accusing Ray of lacking race feeling and being a 'lost sorehead.'

### [XV: White Terror](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/banjo_se/chapters/xv-white-terror)

Goosey is not mentioned in this chapter's excerpts.

### [XVI: The “Blue Cinema”](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/banjo_se/chapters/xvi-the-blue-cinema)

Participates in a debate with Ray about race relations, questioning Ray's views on white women marrying colored men and the role of white women in society.

### [XVII: Breaking-Up](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/banjo_se/chapters/xvii-breaking-up)

Tired but curious, later joins a gang of laborers for factory work.

### [Official Fists](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/banjo_se/chapters/xxi-official-fists)

Is informed of Bugsy's illness and helps organize his funeral.

### [XXIV: The Chauffeur’s Lot](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/banjo_se/chapters/xxiv-the-chauffeur-s-lot)

Collects a jar of French soil as a souvenir, expressing a sentimental attachment to the country.

### [XXV: Banjo’s Ace of Spades](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/banjo_se/chapters/xxv-banjo-s-ace-of-spades)

Defends his idealism about race and orating for his people. Banjo criticizes his book learning and lack of real-world experience. He is glum about Banjo's decision not to sail and boards the ship with Jake.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/banjo_se/characters/goosey
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/banjo_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/banjo_se/characters