When we read books, we expect our main characters to be these gleaming representations of everything good about humanity. Certainly they may be flawed, but in the end they always win the final battle, or find true love, or save the world. Troy Maxson, main character of Fences, is one of the most tragically human main characters ever. He juggles dozens of sentiments and responsibilities. From his experience in the Negro League and discrimination, to running away from home and his prison time, to his life with Rose and his son Cory, Troy has learned some hard lessons, lessons that, as time goes on and become less true, he still feels responsible to his children to teach them. I believe Troy feels a constant, crushing responsibility to his family, and that what he sees as his “duty” to them leads him to make bad decisions. The first and foremost thing anyone thinks of when they hear the name “Troy Maxson” is along the lines of: Oh I know him, he cheated on his wife, but as we look deeper we can understand, if not agree with, his reasons for doing so. In Act Two, Scene One, when Troy is explaining why he cheated on her, he says: “I can step out of this house and get away from the pressures and problems… be a different man. I ain’t gotta worry about how I’m gonna pay the bills or get the roof fixed.” (Wilson page 68-69). This quote is clear evidence of how Troy feels around his family. When he is around Rose, Troy feels a sense of obligation that leaves him stressed out and