List ofPeaky Blinderscharacters
 | This articlemay requirecopy editingfor grammar, style, cohesion, tone, or spelling.(February 2024) |
 | This articleneeds additional citations forverification.(January 2024) |
Peaky Blindersis a Britishperiodcrime dramatelevision series created bySteven Knight.Set inBirmingham,it follows the exploits of the Peaky Blinders crime gang in the direct aftermath of theFirst World War.The fictional gang is loosely based on a real urban youthgang of the same namewho were active in the city from the 1880s to the 1910s.
The programme began on 12 September 2013, broadcast onBBC Twountil the fourth series (with repeats onBBC Four), then moved toBBC Onefor the fifth and sixth series.
The following is a list of characters from the series.
Cast table
[edit]- ^Neill is credited as a guest star in Episode #2.1, and returns to the main cast in Episode #2.2 onwards.
- ^Wallis is credited as a guest star from Episode #2.1 – #2.4, and returns to the main cast from Episode #2.5 onwards.
- ^Wallis is credited as a guest star in Episode #3.1, returns to the main cast for Episode #3.2, and is credited as a guest star in Episode #3.5.
- ^Zephaniah is credited as a guest star from Episode #2.2 – #2.4, and returns to the main cast in Episode #2.6.
- ^Zephaniah appears in only one episode of series 3, although credited with the main cast.
- ^Zephaniah is credited with the main cast in Episode #6.1, as a guest star in Episode #6.4 and returns to the main cast in Episode #6.6.
- ^Nyman is credited as a guest star in Episode #1.1, and is credited with the main cast from Episode #1.2 onwards.
- ^Maskell appears in only one episode of series 6, although credited with the main cast.
- ^Flanagan appears in only one episode, although credited with the main cast.
- ^Hardy appears in only one episode of series 5, although credited with the main cast.
- ^Cole is credited as a guest star in Episode #2.2, and is credited with the main cast from Episode #2.3 onwards.
- ^O'Keeffe is credited as a guest star in Episode #2.1 – #2.5, and is credited with the main cast from Episode #2.6 onwards.
- ^Rowan appears in only one episode of series 5, although credited with the main cast.
- ^Dickie appears in only one episode, although credited with the main cast.
- ^McKenna is credited with the main cast in Episode #6.1, as a guest star from Episode #6.2 – #6.4 and returns to the main cast in Episode #6.6.
- ^Turner is credited with the main cast in only one episode, Episode #6.1, and is credited as a guest star from Episode #6.4 – #6.6.
- ^A fictive version ofDiana Mitford,who was never called "Lady Diana Mitford".
- ^McCormack is credited as a guest star from Episode #6.2 – #6.5 and is credited with the main cast in only one episode, Episode #6.6.
- ^Scanlan is credited as a guest star in Episode #6.5 and is credited with the main cast in only one episode, Episode #6.6.
Main characters
[edit] | This sectiondescribes a work or element of fiction in a primarilyin-universestyle.(January 2024) |
Tommy Shelby
[edit]
Thomas Michael Shelby(also known by his aliasTommy Shelby) (played byCillian Murphy[1]) is the main protagonist of thePeaky Blindersseries.He is the son ofArthurand Mrs. Shelby, brother ofArthur,John,AdaandFinn Shelby,and father of Charles and Ruby Shelby. He was married toGraceand later toLizzie Shelby.He is the leader ofthe Peaky Blinders,a criminal gang inBirmingham,and the patriarch of the Shelby family.
Thomas served as aSergeant MajorinWorld War Iand received medals for gallantry, which he threw away in a canal after returning from the war. His experiences in World War I left him disillusioned and gave him recurring nightmares. He becomes determined to increase his family's social rank to prevent his family from being mistreated.
After the vendetta with theNew York Mafia,and during the year of theWall Street Crash,Thomas Shelby became aMember of Parliamentas a member of theLabour Party,while lending the chair of the legal business to his older brother,Arthur Shelby.
Tommy is respected in his local community and is seen as dangerous by his enemies. Under his leadership, thePeaky Blindershave risen from a localBirminghamstreet gang to a national enterprise that has gone toe-to-toe with theNew York Mafia.His experiences in World War I have made him fearless and almost impossible to intimidate. Despite being a gangster, Tommy is not heartless, as he has shown remorse for his actions. By Season 5, Tommy has become depressed and unhappy in life, causing him to be suicidal, as he almost kills himself several times in Season 5.[2]
After the death ofPolly Gray,Tommy becomes sober and quits drinking. Later, he is falsely diagnosed ofinoperable tuberculomadue to which he demolishes his house, bids farewell to his family and goes off to live alone in the wild. After returning and watching his wagon and remaining possessions burn, Tommy rides away.
Arthur Shelby Jr.
[edit]Arthur Shelby Jr.(played byPaul Anderson) is another main protagonist ofPeaky Blinders.He is the eldest son ofArthurand Mrs. Shelby, older brother ofThomas,John,AdaandFinn Shelby,as well as being the father of Billy Shelby. He was married toLinda Shelby,and is a member of the Peaky Blinders. He is also Deputy Vice President of Shelby Company Limited and member of the ICA, acting as his brother's assistant. Arthur has drug addiction, which affects him more over time.
Arthur is loyal to his family. He has great remorse over his actions, but he cannot always control himself, as he gets aggravated easily, especially over things that, as he feels, are meant to attack his or his family's pride.
In season 2, he was seen to be struggling with PTSD because of his experiences in World War I. Due to this, he started using cocaine as a form of self medication.
Ada Thorne
[edit]Ada Thorne (née Shelby)(played bySophie Rundle) is the fourth and only female of the Shelby siblings and the only sibling initially not involved with the Peaky Blinders. By the end of 1924, however, Ada assumes a leading position in the United States branch of Shelby Company Limited, dealing only with legal acquisitions, unlike her brothers in Birmingham.
She is the widow of knowncommunistFreddie Thorne,with whom she had a son, Karl Thorne—named afterKarl Marx.
Polly Gray
[edit]
Elizabeth Pollyanna "Polly" Gray (née Shelby)(played byHelen McCrory) was the mother ofMichaeland Anna Gray, and the aunt of Arthur, Thomas, John, Ada and Finn Shelby, as well as being thematriarchof the Shelby Family. She is part of the Peaky Blinders and is a certified accountant and company treasurer of Shelby Company Limited.
While the Shelby brothers were absent during World War I, Polly managed the Peaky Blinders business. Since her nephews came back, she has helped her family with family feuds and advising on the company's actions and policies.
She was killed by theIRA,as a consequence for her nephews' actions after they tried to haveOswald Mosleyassassinated. Her body was then delivered toThomas'house, Arrow House, where he broke down in tears from grief and guilt.
John Shelby
[edit]
John Michael Shelby(also known by his aliasJohnnyandJohn Boy) (played byJoe Cole) was one of the members of the Peaky Blinders. He was a British street gangster who was a soldier during the First World War. He was the third son ofArthur Shelby Sr,brother ofArthur,Thomas,AdaandFinn Shelby,as well as being the husband of Martha andEsme Shelby.John had seven children, two sons and two daughters with his deceased first wife Martha Shelby, and three children with Esme. One of his daughters is called Katie Shelby.
John was a high-ranking member of the Peaky Blinders, as well as being a 1/3 shareholder of the Shelby Family business, Shelby Company Limited.
John was shot dead byChangretta'smen.
Grace Shelby
[edit]
Grace Helen Shelby (née Burgess)(played byAnnabelle Wallis) was an Irish woman who takes up employment as a barmaid at The Garrison Pub, and secretly operated as an undercover agent for theBirminghamPolice. Her mission involved getting close toThomas Shelbyto retrieve stolen weaponry. She worked underInspector Campbellwho used to know her late father, and she claimed to be trained as a secret operative.
By the end of Series 1, she andThomas Shelbybecame lovers, but she eventually left for America, urging Thomas to come with her. However, Thomas refused her offer.
Two years after, Grace was married to Clive Macmillan, a richbankerand living inPoughkeepsie, New York.However, her feelings forThomashave not faded. When she came to London, she met Thomas. She later revealed to him that not only is she still in love with him, but she is now carrying his child.
In Series 3, the pair marry and were happy living in a beautiful country estate with their young son, Charles. She was shot dead while they were hosting an evening party, killed by an Italian assassin on the orders of Vicente Changretta.
Chester Campbell
[edit]
Chester Campbell(played bySam Neill) was an inspector in theRoyal Irish Constabularyhired byWinston Churchillto locate and recover the missing consignment of guns from theBirminghamSmall Arms factory.
While he was clearly dedicated to his job of upholding the law, he had no problem with using excessive brutality and underhanded methods to do so. He had no problems with asking his henchmen to carry out criminal acts.
Polly Graycornered Major Campbell in a phone booth while he was on the phone withWinston Churchilland, despite his pleading, she shoots him.
Winston Churchill
[edit]Winston Churchill(played byAndy Nyman(series 1),Richard McCabe(series 2), andNeil Maskell(series 5–6) was theSecretary of State for the Coloniesbetween 1921 and 1922. He hiresInspector Campbellto retrieve his stolen machine guns, a man who he finds amusing but a good candidate for the job. It is revealed that two years after the death of Inspector Campbell, Churchill is still making deals withThomas Shelbythat benefit the both of them.
Michael Gray
[edit]Michael Gray(played byFinn Cole) was the son ofPolly Grayand the cousin of the Shelby siblings. He was taken away from Polly at a young age and was raised by his adoptive mother. AfterThomaslearned about Polly's wish to find her children again, he pays Michael's foster family a visit and invites the boy to see his biological mother. Michael reunites with his mother and became a part of the Shelby Family and thePeaky Blindersat the age of 17, starting out on the respectable and legal side of the family business, Shelby Company Limited.
AfterPollyis murdered by theIRA,Michael was devastated, reasoning thatTommy'sambition and schemes lead to her death. He swears revenge on Tommy at all costs. By 1933, Michael is completely estranged from the Shelby family and has moved to the US where he now has a son with his wifeGinanamed Laurence.
Michael sets up his plan to killThomasby blowing him up with a car bomb. Unknown to Michael, Tommy had predicted Michael would try to kill him and hadJohnny Dogsswitch the car bombs. In the explosion, Michael's associates are killed and Tommy finally shoots Michael in the head, leaving his corpse to rot.
Freddie Thorne
[edit]
Freddie Thorne(played byIddo Goldberg) was a knowncommunistwho lived inBirminghamand was formerly a close friend ofThomas Shelby.He was briefly married toAda Thornebefore his death, and the two have one son together, Karl Thorne – named afterKarl Marx.
Freddie died of "pestilence", likely theSpanish Influenza pandemic.
Finn Shelby
[edit]Finn Shelby(played by Alfie Evans-Meese in series 1 and Harry Kirton in series 2 – series 6) is the youngest member of the Peaky Blinders, a son ofArthur Shelby Sr.and Mrs. Shelby and the youngest brother ofArthur,Thomas,John,andAda Shelby.He is later married to Mary Shelby.
Finn has always been the odd one out among the Shelby siblings. He is significantly younger than the others, and thus he did not fight in World War I. His brothers see him as weak, immature, and lacking experience. They believe he does not have the ruthlessness of a "true" Shelby. His haplessness proves to be a liability. As he gets older, Finn becomes interested only in having fun and partying.
Upon finding out thatBillywas the one who informed theIRAabout the attempted assassination ofOswald Mosley,resulting in the operation being ruined,IsiahandDukebeat him. They reveal thatThomashas informed them that Finn is to shootBilly.If he does not, Finn can "walk away from the family for good." A shaken Finn shows his true colors by furiously insultingDuke'smother and turning the gun on Isiah. When he tries to shoot it, the gun only clicks. As Duke had emptied the first two chambers, thus allowing him and Isiah to witness Finn's betrayal while remaining unscathed. Then, Duke banishes Finn from the family and the Peaky Blinders.
Alfie Solomons
[edit]
Alfred "Alfie" Solomons Jr.(played byTom Hardy) is a Jewish gang leader residing inCamden Town, London.The character is based on areal-life Jewish gangsternamed Alfred Solomon. Most of Alfie's income comes from racetrack rackets, although he also runs a rum distillery, a jewellery business and protection rackets inCamden Town.Alfie is protective ofBritain's Jewish community.
Billy Kimber
[edit]William "Billy" Kimber(played byCharlie Creed-Miles) was an English gangster and head of the Birmingham Boys, the main enemy ofThomas Shelbyand the Peaky Blinders. He ran most of the legal tracks outside of London, leading to tensions between Kimber and the Peaky Blinders, who looked to expand their control intoinner cityLondon.
Due to his wealth and influence, Kimber had policemen on his payroll and an assistant,Roberts.
Darby Sabini
[edit]
Charles "Darby" Sabiniborn,Ottavio Handley Sabini(11 July 1888 – 4 October 1950) (played byNoah Taylor) is aBritish Italiangang leader from London. He was at war withAlfie SolomonsandThomas Shelbyin Series 2.
As leader of theSabinisand "king of the racecourse gangs," he dominated the London underworld and racecourses throughout thesouth of Englandfor much of the early twentieth century. Although hisClerkenwell-based organization gained the core of its income from racecourse protection rackets operated against bookmakers, it was also involved in a range of criminal activities including extortion, theft, as well as operating several nightclubs. It had an estimated 300 members, and is said to have included importedSicilian gunmen,although the Sabinis originated in central Italy. The members were also notorious for razor attacks. At its peak, Sabini had extensive police and political connections including judges, politicians, and police officials.
Conflicts with competing gangs theBirmingham Boys,Elephant and Castle Mob,Cortesi brothers,the Yiddishers, and the White family were common, and in 1922, he was involved in a gunfight with the Cortesi brothers.
Lizzie Shelby
[edit]Elizabeth "Lizzie" Shelby (née Stark)(played byNatasha O'Keeffe) is the second wife ofThomas Shelby,mother of Ruby Shelby, and stepmother of Thomas' elder son, Charles Shelby. Lizzie was a former prostitute inSmall Heath, Birmingham.
She is treated horribly by the Shelby family, and yet continues to remain loyal to them. Thomas makes her his secretary, but not only does he expect her to play the whore for him when his plans require it, the family refuses to allow her any say in who she dates or what does in her off-hours.
In 1934, Lizzie finally has enough and leaves Thomas when she finds out he has been sleeping withDiana Mitford.When Charles says he wants to go with her, she tells him that Thomas will not let her. Thomas surprises both of them by telling Charles that he can go with Lizzie.
Linda Shelby
[edit]"Linda Shelby" (played byKate Phillips) is the ex-wife ofArthur Shelby Jr.and a former close ally of the Peaky Blinders. After Arthur begins experiencing mental illness, she begins looking to divorce him, eventually culminating in her attempting to kill him. She is addicted to cocaine. Linda used to be aQuaker,a member of a religiousChristian movement.She then helped Arthur with his sobriety, among other things.
Esme Shelby
[edit]Esme Martha Shelby (née Lee)(played byAimee-Ffion Edwards) is a member of the Lee Family and, by marriage toJohn Shelby,a member of the Shelby Family.
She has little involvement within the Shelby family business or the Peaky Blinders, rather the marriage between the two was arranged to bring peace between the two families and provide a mother for John's four children.
After John's Death, Esme moves to the mountains with her kids and lives a peaceful life there until Tommy finds her and asks for help to find the cure for the curse of his daughter, Ruby Shelby. Esme is the one to tell Tommy about his lost son,Duke Shelby.
Isiah Jesus
[edit]
Isiah Jesus(played byJordan Bolger(series 1–4) and byDaryl McCormack(series 5–6)) is the son ofJeremiah Jesusand a member of the Peaky Blinders. Isiah is a close friend ofFinn Shelby.In 1922, when Isiah andMichaelarrive at a pub, one of the customers refuses to drink in the same pub as a black man. The man demands that Isiah leaves, however Isiah refuses, leading to a fight between them. Isiah is made Arthur's lieutenant by Thomas on theHayden Staggmission.
AfterBilly Gradeis revealed to be the informant, Finn attempts to shoot Isiah after being given a gun byDuke Shelbyto finish off Grade. Fortunately, Duke emptied the first two chambers of the gun, saving Isiah's life and having Finn banished from the Shelby family.
Tatiana Petrovna
[edit]
Tatiana Petrovna(played byGaite Jansen) is aRussian Grand Duchessforced to fleeRussiaafter therevolution.Tatiana is brought from London toThomas Shelbyby Sergeant Moss of theBirmingham Police.She makes a deal with him to steal her family's jewels so that he can return them to her and she can run away to another country where a lover is waiting for her.
Father Hughes
[edit]
Father John Hughes(played byPaddy Considine) was a member and representative of The Economic League, working with Patrick Jarvis.
Hughes represented theCrownand was acting under orders to report to theRedsbecause they wanted to provoke an attack on British soil, which would break diplomatic relations with theCommunists.
It is revealed that Hughes molestedMichael Graywhen he was six years old, after he was taken fromPollyand put under Hughes' care. Thus,Michaelinsisted that he be the one to end Hughes' life. Michael kills Hughes by stabbing him to death.
Aberama Gold
[edit]
Aberama Gold(played byAidan Gillen) was aRomany gypsyhitman-for-hire,a man with a reputation for being a dangerous savage with little regard for the rules. He was the head of a very old and well-respectedRomany family.He was hired byThomas ShelbywhenLuca Changretta,set on revenge against the entire Shelby family, arrives in England.
Aberama tells Tommy that he does not want just money in return for his help. He also demands that Tommy help his son,Bonnie Gold,become aboxing champion.
After the murder of his son, Aberama begins plotting his revenge on Bonnie's murderer,Jimmy McCavern.He andPollyeventually become engaged. During an ambush plan on McCavern, Aberama is ambushed and stabbed to death by theIRA.
Luca Changretta
[edit]
Luca Changretta(played byAdrien Brody) was anItalian-Americanmobster fromNew York City,the son of Audrey and Vicente Changretta, and the new leader of the Changretta family.
After his father and brother, Angel Changretta, are killed by thePeaky Blindershe obtains enough information from his surviving mother, Audrey, to launch a vendetta inBirminghamagainstThomasand the rest of the surviving Shelby family.
Arthurkeeps his promise to avenge his deceased brotherJohn,by shooting Luca in the forehead with a pistol.
Jessie Eden
[edit]Jessie Eden(played byCharlie Murphy) is an enigmatic union convener. She leads all-female factory workers inBirminghamout on strike protesting on theBull Ring.She was based on the real lifeperson of the same name.
Jessie is a union leader at one ofThomas Shelby'sfactories and is a member of theStechford branchof theBritish Communist Party.
In 1924, Jessie is a shop steward at the Lucas factory inSparkhill.She brings all the female workers in thespot-weldingandwire-cuttingshops out on strike that day. They are protesting at poor conditions, lack of holidays, unsanitary lavatory provisions, and lower pay for female workers. All the female factory workers in the city join the protest to march on theBull Ring.Among them arePolly Gray,Esme Shelby,andLizzie Stark,at the behest ofLinda Shelby.
Gina Gray
[edit]
Gina Gray (née Nelson)(played byAnya Taylor-Joy) is the scheming wife ofMichael Grayand mother of Laurence Gray. The two met whenMichaelwas in the United States and fell in love. WhenMichaelis recalled toBirmingham,following theWall Street Crash,Gina expresses her wish to return with him. Gina manipulates Michael into taking control of the company fromTommy.After Tommy angrily rejects Michael's proposal, Michael and Gina are both banished from the Shelby family and told to never return.
By 1933, Gina has given birth to a son named Laurence Gray and lives in Boston with Michael. They plot the murder of Tommy. Gina insisted thatArthurneeds to die as well. She also suggested killing Tommy's son, Charlie Shelby and his recently discovered son,Duke Shelby,but Michael says only Tommy and Arthur will die and that is it, as it is unnecessary for there to be a bloodbath.
Oswald Mosley
[edit]
Sir Oswald Mosley(played bySam Claflin) is theMinister of the Duchy of Lancaster,the deputy to theChancellor of the Exchequer,and the Cabinet adviser to thePrime Minister of Great Britain.He is also theMPforSmethwick,theconstituencybordering SouthBirmingham,Thomas Shelby'sconstituency.Diana Mitfordand Oswald get married at the home ofJoseph Gobbels,withAdolf Hitleras guest of honor.
Oswald Mosley is based on the real life person,Sir Oswald Ernald Mosley.
Jimmy McCavern
[edit]Jimmy McCavern(played byBrian Gleeson) is the leader of the Billy Boys and a member of theGlasgow razor gang.He is first introduced following theWall Street Crashand is responsible for the death and crucifixion ofBonnie Gold.McCavern is a cruel man who is not scared to use others to send a message. He left a scarecrow inTommy'syard with a message for him despite the fact that Charles Shelby could have been injured by the minefield around. Moreover, he murdered Bonnie Gold to send a message to Tommy, showing no remorse for his actions.
He seems very strongly againstCatholicsandgypsies,despite his temporary agreement with Tommy.
Barney Thomason
[edit]
Barney Thomason(played byCosmo Jarvis) was aWWIcomrade and old friend ofThomas Shelby's.He was admitted to a mental asylum shortly after the war after committing an unknown crime, presumably due to his severeshell-shockand was certified insane.
He served as a sniper in WWI, trained by theRoyal Marines.He gained a reputation of being a very skilled marksman, and according to Thomas, never missed a target.
Prone to manic episodes and hearing voices, Barney was only able to be calmed down by Thomas, for whom Barney had deep respect as Thomas was his superior in the wwar.
Barney was key in theassassination attemptonOswald Mosleyat a rally atBingley Hall,tasked with sniping him on stage from a lighting control room. However, he was killed with a silenced pistol at point-blank range seconds before taking the shot. His killer remains unknown.
Jack Nelson
[edit]
Jack Nelson(played byJames Frecheville) is anIrish-Americangangster with ties to high-level politicians, such asPresident Roosevelt.He is also the uncle ofGina Grayand the great-uncle of Laurence Gray. His rise to power is described as being very similar to that ofThomas Shelby,thus it is reasonable to assume he grew up in a poor and rough environment. The first man he killed was a priest. He eventually became a very powerful gangster, being on the level of the Peaky Blinders. He also stated to be religious and that he disliked how theCatholicswere treated inAmerica.He is respected by Thomas due to him climbing to the top by himself, much like Tommy himself. He is anIrish-Catholicwith fascist allegiances. Jack is planning on buying the United Statesimport licensesto all the bestScotchandIrish whiskydistilleries. Jack is in league with theIRA.They are both engaged in an opium deal brokered through Tommy.
Laura McKee
[edit]
Laura McKee(also known by her aliasCaptain Swing) (played byCharlene McKenna) was a leading member of theIrish Republican Army,Battalion CommanderofFermanagh branch.
McKee, as Captain Swing, callsThomas Shelbyto inform him that her forces have capturedMichael Grayin Ireland from forces trying to kill him while on his passage back to the United Kingdom.
Once again in her role as Captain Swing, McKee calls Tommy following the failed assassination attempt onOswald Mosley.She takes credit for its failure and the murders ofBarney ThomasonandAberama Gold.Swing has their bodies delivered to Tommy's home, along with a third. Tommy unwraps this third body to find his auntPolly Gray.McKee tells Thomas that Polly's death is his fault for "not knowing his limits."
TheIRAplans to killArthur Shelbyas a favor toJackin exchange for guns. Arthur gets revenge for Polly's murder when he kills McKee outside the Garrison Pub.
Duke Shelby
[edit]Erasmus 'Duke' Shelby(played byConrad Khan) is the illegitimate firstborn son ofThomas Shelbyand a woman called Zelda, as well as being the half-brother of Charles and Ruby Shelby.
In May 1914, Tommy met aRomanigirl called Zelda. Later, Zelda became pregnant with Thomas' child. Thomas was sent away to fight in WWI and never saw Zelda again.
In early 1915, Zelda gave birth to their son, who was born with hazel eyes and named him Erasmus. She told Erasmus that his father was the Duke of theSaxon Shore.As a result, Erasmus changed his name to 'Duke' and does not like people using his birth name.
Although Thomas returned from the war in 1918, he never tried to contact Zelda and she raised their son alone.
Many years later, Zelda became seriously ill, so Duke rushed her to a hospital inBridgnorth.However, they would not give Zelda a bed because she was aGypsy,therefore she did not have any insurance. She died later that night and as a result, Duke killed the man who denied his mother a bed. After her death, Duke went on the road with other Gypsies and began working at a fairground, but he soon became a thief.
Esme Shelbytold Tommy about him, and he welcomed Duke into the Shelby family.
In 1934, Duke Shelby empties the gun on the advice ofCharlie Strongbefore giving it toFinnto shootBilly.After Finn's betrayal, Duke executesBilly Grade.
Billy Grade
[edit]
Billy Grade(played byEmmett J. Scanlan) was anIrishretired professional footballer who becomes a singer in the Garrison Pub. He becomes a bookmaker for the Peaky Blinders. Billy is befriended byFinn Shelby.The two fall into sloppy habits while running the betting shop. They do cocaine and drink regularly while on the job. The Shelbys, minus Finn, recognize Billy is an informant. Finn foolishly blabs the plan to assassinateOswald Mosleyto Billy, who tips off theIRA.
Jack Nelsonviolently forces Billy to act as his informant on the Peaky Blinders so he can haveArthur Shelbykilled.
In the end,Duke ShelbyandIsiah Jesusbeat up Billy onThomas'orders. Duke executes Billy.
Supporting characters
[edit] | This sectiondescribes a work or element of fiction in a primarilyin-universestyle.(January 2024) |
Charlie Strong
[edit]Charlie Strong(played byNed Dennehy) is the uncle of the Shelby siblings, who helps the Shelby siblings organize their stocks and prepare their illegal shipments. He is a friend of their mother.
Roberts
[edit]
Roberts(played byDavid Dawson) was the accountant ofBilly Kimber.He is seen when Billy storms into the Garrison Pub and confronts the Shelby Brothers about fixing the horse races which Kimber runs. He is also seen later on presentingTommythe Shelby Family's first legal betting license.
Arthur Shelby Sr.
[edit]
Arthur William Shelby Sr.(played byTommy Flanagan) was the father of the Shelby siblings. He was shot sometime during 1924 inBostonafter leaving a bar. The children, having not known their father or had a negative relationship with him, are not saddened about his death.
Curly
[edit]Curly(played by lan Peck) is astable boyandferrymanwho works inCharlie Strong'sYard.Thomas ShelbytellsMay Carletonthat Curly's the best horseman in England. He walks with a trot, indicating a previous leg injury. Curly is aGypsy.
Johnny Dogs
[edit]Johnny Dogs(played by Packy Lee) is a friend ofThomas Shelby.Johnny Dogs is aRomanicousin through various marriages to the Shelby family. He is also loosely allied with the Lee family. Johnny Dogs works for Tommy.
Jeremiah Jesus
[edit]
Jeremiah "Jimmy" Jesus(played byBenjamin Zephaniah) is aJamaicanborn street preacher, who is friends withThomas Shelbyand the Peaky Blinders. He fought in the war alongside Tommy, and has been a close ally ever since. He is also the father ofIsiah Jesus.
May Carleton
[edit]
May Fitz Carleton(played byCharlotte Riley) is a wealthy widow who owns racehorses, and is enlisted byThomas Shelbyto train his horse forEpsom.She is the proprietor of Carleton stud.
May Carleton comes from a well-to-do family. She grew up riding horses. She is well connected with everyone from thewar-officeto theracing-board.Since her husband's death in the War, she has lived alone in her late husband's mansion. Though she is a rich widow and a successful racehorse trainer, she is lonely and bored with her strait-laced life.
Leon Petrovich Romanov
[edit]Grand Duke Leon Petrovich Romanov(played by Jan Bijvoet) is the husband of Grand DuchessIzabella Petrovnaand uncle to PrincessTatiana Petrovna.He was forced to fleeRussiaafter therevolution.Since arriving in England, Petrovich has been staying at theRitz.
Petrovich meets withThomas Shelbyto pay him for the murder of Anton Kaledin as well as for future business transactions.
Petrovich plans to kill Tommy once he is done getting what he wants from him.
Izabella Petrovna
[edit]
Grand Duchess Izabella Petrovna(played byDina Korzun) is the wife of Grand DukeLeon Petrovich Romanovand aunt to PrincessTatiana Petrovna.Izabella,Leon,andTatianawere forced to fleeRussiaafter therevolution.Since arriving in England, Izabella and Leon have been staying at theRitz.
Ruben Oliver
[edit]
Ruben Oliver(played byAlexander Siddig) is a charming and well educated portrait artist. He had affairs withPolly Gray.When Charles Shelby is kidnapped,Thomasmakes her believe that Ruben betrayed her. However, Ruben comes back and makes it clear that whatever she has been told is not true.
Bonnie Gold
[edit]
Bonnie Gold(played byJack Rowan) was a youngGypsyman and the son ofAberama Gold.He was a fierce fighter and had ambitions of joining the exclusive world of professional boxing. He becomes a Peaky Blinder in 1926 but is killed byJimmy McCavernin 1929.
Ben Younger
[edit]
Ben Younger(played byKingsley Ben-Adir) was a colonel and head of army intelligence officers who arrived inBirminghamand arrestedAda Shelbyover hercommunistpast. Ben is killed because he receives compromising information gathered byThomasaboutOswald Mosley.
Frances
[edit]Frances(played byPauline Turner) is the housekeeper for Arrow House, employed byThomas Shelby.Frances was employed by Tommy in 1924, presumably during his family's imprisonment. Frances mainly cared for Tommy's two-year-old son, Charles Shelby, while he was absent for business, although she also managed the household. She attended Tommy's farewell meal on the grounds of the now demolished Arrow House.
Mother Superior
[edit]
Mother Superior(played byKate Dickie) is the head nun of the orphanage that the Shelby company donates to.
In season 5,TommyandPollyconfront the nuns about child abuse. Mother Superior refuses to repent for her actions, causing Tommy to lash out at her. Tommy tells her that he knows a black child killed herself out of fear of her temper.
Brilliant Chang
[edit]Brilliant Chang(played byAndrew Koji) is aChinesesupplier of opium to the Peaky Blinders. He is first seen waiting in line at The Garrison to meet withThomasandArthur Shelby,while at the same time sending a prostitute associate toFinn Shelby's office.
Arthur,Aberama Gold,and a few others arrive to collect a cargo of opium from Chang at the dock, but they get ambushed by the Irish Titanic mob and find Chang injured.
Brilliant Chang is based on the real life personof the same name.
Diana Mitford
[edit]
Lady Diana Mitford(played byAmber Anderson) isOswald Mosley'smistress and, later, his second wife. She was initially married to Bryan Guinness, heir to the barony of Moyne. Diana and Bryan divorced as Diana pursued a relationship with Mosley. Diana had an affair withTommy.Diana and Oswald get married at the home ofJoseph Gobbels,withAdolf Hitleras guest of honour.
Hayden Stagg
[edit]
Hayden Stagg(played byStephen Graham) is a union convenor who is stealing some of the opium in storage at theSalthouse docksinLiverpool.
Arthur,Isiahand his cousins fromAlum Rock,confronted Hayden about the leak.
References
[edit]- ^"Peaky Blinders – Full Cast & Crew – TV Guide".TV Guide.2 January 2024.Retrieved2 January2024.
- ^Mozafari, Laurence (22 September 2019)."Peaky Blinders season 5 ending explained – what was Tommy Shelby's finale about, eh?".Digital Spy.Archived fromthe originalon 28 August 2020.Retrieved2 January2024.
Text was copied from the following pages at Peaky Blinders Wiki, which is released under a Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 (Unported) (CC-BY-SA 3.0) license: Thomas Shelby, Arthur Shelby, Ada Thorne, Polly Gray, John Shelby, Grace Shelby, Inspector Campbell, Winston Churchill, Michael Gray, Freddie Thorne, Finn Shelby, Alfie Solomons, Billy Kimber, Darby Sabini, Lizzie Stark, Linda Shelby, Esme Shelby, Tatiana Petrovna, Father Hughes, Aberama Gold, Luca Changretta, Jessie Eden, Gina Gray, Oswald Mosley, Jimmy McCavern, Barney Thompson, Roberts, Arthur Shelby Sr., Curly, Johnny Dogs, Jeremiah Jesus, May Carleton, Leon Petrovich Romanov, Izabella Petrovna, Ruben Oliver, Bonnie Gold, Ben Younger, Brilliant Chang, Laura McKee, Frances, Diana Mitford, Jack Nelson, Duke Shelby, Isiah Jesus andBilly Grade
