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Ulysses · Character

Martin Cunningham

A steady, decent Dublin man who organizes Paddy Dignam's funeral and quietly looks out for Bloom when the drinkers turn on him.

supporting

Also known as Martin Cunningham, Martin

First appearance: iv

As a supporting figure in Ulysses, Martin Cunningham is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Walks with John Henry Menton, helps point out the crushed hat, lays down the law.
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Cunningham is the kind of man Dublin leans on: capable, tactful, and trusted with other people's grief and money. In the funeral carriage and later at Barney Kiernan's, he manages the awkwardness of Bloom's presence…

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See Martin Cunningham in iv

Character Web

47 connections

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

JPJack PowerLBLeopold BloomSDStephen DedalusTCThe CitizenJHJoe HynesMCMartin Cunningham

Relationship types

  • Other

Character groups

  • Dublin social network
  • Protagonist

+42 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

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

SetupEscalationAftermathClimax
  • Setup
  • Escalation
  • Breaking point
  • Aftermath
  • Closing

This excerpt marks the dramatic climax because it reveals the protagonist’s psychological breaking point: his…

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In the story

Martin Cunningham appears across 3 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Chapter companion notes

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See Martin Cunningham in iv
Who is Martin Cunningham in Ulysses?