The Informer · Character

Mary McPhillip

Frankie McPhillip's mother, awake past midnight in a cellar inquiry room, she begs Gallagher not to murder the informer and is answered with a stuffed mouth.

supporting

Also known as Mary

First appearance: i

As a supporting figure in The Informer, Mary McPhillip is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Defends Frankie's revolutionary actions against her father, questions Gypo about Frankie's last meeting.

In the storyIVOpen this moment free

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With Commandant Dan Gallagher (romantic): Dan and Mary are lovers, with Mary deeply devoted to Dan despite the danger. With Gypo Nolan (psychological): Gypo is obsessed with Mary, viewing her as an unattainable ideal…

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See Mary McPhillip in i

Character Web

22 connections

A slice of how Mary McPhillip sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Romantic
Psychological
Social
Other

Character groups

Gypo's associates and victims
Minor characters and background figures
Protagonist
Revolutionary comrades

+17 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

Commandant Dan Gallagher
romantic · positive
Dan and Mary are lovers, with Mary deeply devoted to Dan despite the danger. How this plays out →
Gypo Nolan
psychological · ambivalent
Dart Flynn
social · positive
Father Conroy
psychological · positive
Commandant Dan Gallagher
romantic · positive
Dan and Mary are lovers, with Mary deeply devoted to Dan despite the danger. How this plays out →
Gypo Nolan
psychological · ambivalent
Gypo Nolan
psychological · ambivalent
Commandant Dan Gallagher
romantic · positive
Dan and Mary are lovers, with Mary deeply devoted to Dan despite the danger. How this plays out →
Father Conroy
psychological · positive
Dart Flynn
social · positive
Dart Flynn
social · positive
Father Conroy
psychological · positive

Commandant Dan Gallagher
Dan and Mary are lovers, with Mary deeply devoted to Dan despite the danger.
Gypo Nolan
Gypo is obsessed with Mary, viewing her as an unattainable ideal that fuels his betrayal.
Dart Flynn
Dart is a friend and confidant to Mary, offering support in her grief.
Father Conroy
Father Conroy acts as a spiritual advisor to Mary, trying to guide her through grief and guilt.
Commandant Dan Gallagher
Dan and Mary are lovers, with Mary deeply devoted to Dan despite the danger.
Gypo Nolan
Gypo is obsessed with Mary, viewing her as an unattainable ideal that fuels his betrayal.
Gypo Nolan
Gypo is obsessed with Mary, viewing her as an unattainable ideal that fuels his betrayal.
Commandant Dan Gallagher
Dan and Mary are lovers, with Mary deeply devoted to Dan despite the danger.
Father Conroy
Father Conroy acts as a spiritual advisor to Mary, trying to guide her through grief and guilt.
Dart Flynn
Dart is a friend and confidant to Mary, offering support in her grief.
Dart Flynn
Dart is a friend and confidant to Mary, offering support in her grief.
Father Conroy
Father Conroy acts as a spiritual advisor to Mary, trying to guide her through grief and guilt.

Relationship notes

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

See Mary McPhillip in i

In the story

Mary McPhillip appears across 6 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

IV
Defends Frankie's revolutionary actions against her father, questions Gypo about Frankie's last meeting.
VII
Interacts with Gallagher in a tense, intimate scene; he asks her to join the Organization.
Chapter XI
Mary is brought in as a witness and sobs during Gypo's outburst; Gallagher leads her out of the room after her testimony.
XII
Learns that Gypo is the informer, but pleads with Gallagher to spare him, expressing horror at the cycle of violence and confessing her love to try to prevent the execution.
XV
Screams during the escape, clings to Gallagher, and later shares an intimate but troubled conversation with him.
XVII
Awakened by Gallagher, she learns of Gypo's location and vehemently opposes the murder, screaming and fighting before being subdued.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Mary McPhillip unlock in the free preview.

See Mary McPhillip in i

See Mary McPhillip in IV