In James Joyce's novella, "The Dead," Gabriel Conroy's character plays a central role in the theme of paralysis throughout the story. Initially, the story seems to be that of a holiday party given by Gabriel's aunt Kate and aunt Julia. As the plot unfolds, however, it becomes clear that Joyce uses his ability to beautifully portray the party in great detail as a method of building this central theme. Although the underlying message Joyce is trying to make is unclear until the end of this short story, we see Gabriel reach an epiphany regarding his love for his wife, Gretta. .
He realizes that he has never truly distinguished the difference between his love and his desire for Gretta. Gabriel's character represents living a life of paralysis, one that is both without life and love. In Joyce's The Dead, Gabriel Conroy is depicted as a wealthy, well educated, and a married man, however, he finds himself paralyzed by his lifeless existence due to his lack of intimacy and truth, but fueled only by desire. This lifeless existence ultimately traps him in a state where he is unsure whether he is one of the living, or the dead. .
Gabriel experiences several major confrontations throughout the story, all of which occur at the Misses Morkan's annual dance and used to open Gabriel's consciousness up to the reader. Lily, the caretaker's daughter, first confronts Gabriel after unintentionally making a comment pertaining to her love life. This confrontation is awkward, leaving Gabriel in a state of embarrassment. Not knowing how to handle it, "he took a coin rapidly from his pocket, thrusting it into her hands, he walked rapidly towards the door." Gabriel's paralysis from Lily's response, coupled with his generous tip and rapid departure, speaks to his character. By leaving Lily a large tip in the midst of confrontation, we learn that Gabriel would rather buy off an individual, using wealth to solve his problems, than undergo a human interaction that would require some level of psychological intimacy with another individual.
