1. Marco and Rodolpho
View From the Bridge
by Ivan Siu, Tiffany Chung and Kalvin Tsui

2. Rodolpho
Catalyst character who brings out the tragic flaw in Eddie
Blond, cooks, sings and sews - not traditionally masculine
Italian but is not happy with Italy given the difficult situations
Wants to become and American Citizen
Love for Catherine is questionable as Eddie points out
Dreams to have a motorcycle
Worked in a hotel
Marcoʼs brother

3. Important Quotes about
Rodolpho
“Me? Yes, for ever! Me, I want to be an American. And then I want to go back to
Italy when I am rich, and I will buy a motorcycle”
“Oh I sing Napoleon, jazz, bel canto - I sing Paper Doll, you like Paper Doll?”
“heʼs only bowinʼ to his passport”
“If you came in the house and you didnʼt know who was singinʼ you wouldnʼt be
lookinʼ for him you be lookinʼ for her”
“No; I will not marry you to live in Italy. I want you to be my wife, and I want to be a
citizen”

4. The intentions of Rodolphoʼs romantic
relationship with Catherine remains to be
ambiguous as audience is presented with
various views
Eddie suggest that he is doing so to earn his
American Citizenship, therefore accusing him
of “using” Catherine
Rodolpho insists that such is not the case but
admits that he is unwilling to return to Italy

5. Marco
Strong-willed but polite
Selfless
Ambitious in terms of wanting the best for his family.
Married and has 3 children
Wishes to return to Italy
Sense of helplessness through out Act One until he
begins to show his strength near the end
In America to earn money
Protective and is an honorable character
Submissive
Rodolphoʼs brother

6. Important Quotes about
Marco
“I want to tell you now, Eddie - when you say we go, we go."
“Because I could send them a little more if I stay here”
“The chair raised like a weapon over Eddieʼs head”
“What will I tell him? He knows such a promise is dishonorable”
“Marco spits in Eddieʼs face” - “That one! He killed my children! That one stole the
food from my children!”

7. The character of Marco explores the theme of
honour and justice. His actions are reflective
of the “Sicilian Code” as it is evident that he
puts particular emphasis on these issues.
Marco plays a significant role in the play as
audience is presented with the scenario of “old
bull vs young bull” between Eddie and Marco.
Their interactions prove to be significant to the
climax of the play, which result in Eddieʼs
death.