# Martin Cunningham — Ulysses character guide

> Martin Cunningham in Ulysses by James Joyce.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Martin Cunningham, Martin

**First appearance:** 0005-iv

## Snapshot

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

## Who they are

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 with a decency the others lack. His quiet loyalty matters because it shows that Bloom is not entirely alone in a city that mostly mocks or ignores him.

## In the story

### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ulysses_se/chapters/vi)

Walks with John Henry Menton, helps point out the crushed hat, lays down the law.

### [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ulysses_se/chapters/xii)

Arrives at the pub and is asked about Bloom's involvement with Sinn Fein.

### [XVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ulysses_se/chapters/xvii)

Mentioned as being in bed among the company that traveled from Sandymount to Glasnevin.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ulysses_se/characters/martin_cunningham
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ulysses_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/ulysses_se/characters