With over seventy different parts in this play, the ensemble cast must each fulfil a number of smaller roles. There is no one central protagonist whose story is developed throughout.

McGrath does not create realistic characters. He deliberately fills the play with stock characters such as the Sturdy Highlander, the Old Man or Texas Jim. These are stereotypical figures that audiences will recognise immediately.

This focuses the audience’s attention on the social issues being explored. These ‘flat’ characters also help to inject humour and evoke pathos.

The characters fall into two groups:

• Highland Folk
• Those who exploit them