The Informer · Character

Commandant Dan Gallagher

The hunted commandant of a revolutionary cell, Gallagher runs interrogations by lamplight and decides, with ashen calm, who among his own men must be wiped out.

major

Also known as Commandant Gallagher, Gallagher, Daniel, Danny Gallagher, Dan, the great Gallagher, Comrade Dan Gallagher, Comrade Gallagher, VII Gallagher

First appearance: I

As a major figure in The Informer, Commandant Dan Gallagher is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Mentioned as having ordered Gypo and McPhillip expelled from the Revolutionary Organization and nearly having them shot.

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In I: Mentioned as having ordered Gypo and McPhillip expelled from the Revolutionary Organization and nearly having them shot. Later, in V: Gallagher is waiting at Ryan's pub to see Gypo, though he does not speak in…

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See Commandant Dan Gallagher in I

Character Web

21 connections

A slice of how Commandant Dan Gallagher sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Rivalry
Romantic
Professional
Other

Character groups

Gypo's associates and victims
Protagonist

+16 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This is the story's dramatic climax because it marks the irreversible turning point where Gypo’s fate is seale…

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Relationships

Gypo Nolan
rivalry · negative
Dan is the revolutionary leader betrayed by Gypo, creating a tense dynamic of authority… How this plays out →
Mary McPhillip
romantic · positive
Bartly Mulholland
professional · positive
The Rat Mulligan
professional · ambivalent
Dart Flynn
professional · positive
Gypo Nolan
rivalry · negative
Dan is the revolutionary leader betrayed by Gypo, creating a tense dynamic of authority… How this plays out →
Gypo Nolan
rivalry · negative
Dan is the revolutionary leader betrayed by Gypo, creating a tense dynamic of authority… How this plays out →
Mary McPhillip
romantic · positive
The Rat Mulligan
professional · ambivalent
Mary McPhillip
romantic · positive
Bartly Mulholland
professional · positive
Bartly Mulholland
professional · positive

Gypo Nolan
Dan is the revolutionary leader betrayed by Gypo, creating a tense dynamic of authority and guilt.
Mary McPhillip
Dan and Mary are lovers, with Mary deeply devoted to Dan despite the danger.
Bartly Mulholland
Bartly serves as a loyal subordinate to Dan in the revolutionary organization.
The Rat Mulligan
Dan uses Rat as an informant and low-level operative in the revolutionary network.
Dart Flynn
Dan relies on Dart as a trusted comrade and fellow revolutionary leader.
Gypo Nolan
Dan is the revolutionary leader betrayed by Gypo, creating a tense dynamic of authority and guilt.
Gypo Nolan
Dan is the revolutionary leader betrayed by Gypo, creating a tense dynamic of authority and guilt.
Mary McPhillip
Dan and Mary are lovers, with Mary deeply devoted to Dan despite the danger.
The Rat Mulligan
Dan uses Rat as an informant and low-level operative in the revolutionary network.
Mary McPhillip
Dan and Mary are lovers, with Mary deeply devoted to Dan despite the danger.
Bartly Mulholland
Bartly serves as a loyal subordinate to Dan in the revolutionary organization.
Bartly Mulholland
Bartly serves as a loyal subordinate to Dan in the revolutionary organization.

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See Commandant Dan Gallagher in I

In the story

Commandant Dan Gallagher appears across 11 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

I
Mentioned as having ordered Gypo and McPhillip expelled from the Revolutionary Organization and nearly having them shot.
V
Gallagher is waiting at Ryan's pub to see Gypo, though he does not speak in this chapter.
VI
Becomes a public figure after the farm-labourers' strike and murder; denounced the murder as a 'foul crime'; described as a 'slippery customer' by official quarters; criticized in a secret report for ruling as a dictator.
VII
Leads the confrontation with Gypo; later visits the McPhillip home and speaks privately with Mary.
Chapter VIII
Gallagher is mentioned by Gypo as a promise of reinstatement into the Revolutionary Organization, giving Gypo a sense of power and legitimacy.
Chapter XI
Gallagher leads the interrogation, alternating between friendly cajolery and brutal accusation, ultimately pointing Gypo out as the informer.
XII
Presides over the court that condemns Gypo, gives execution orders, and then confronts Mary McPhillip, torn between his desire for her and his commitment to revolutionary justice.
XV
Panics after Gypo's escape, organizes pursuit, then reveals his vulnerability and philosophical reflections to Mary.
XVI
Appears in Gypo's vision as a haunting memory with glittering eyes.
XVII
Receives the news from Mulholland, rouses Mary McPhillip, and orders her restrained when she protests the planned execution.
XVIII
Seen by Gypo standing outside the church, smiling insolently, and later turning away.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Commandant Dan Gallagher unlock in the free preview.

See Commandant Dan Gallagher in I