Manus and Owen are well-educated young men. Both are fluent in Greek, Latin, Gaelic and English, and they show this throughout the play. Manus is able to translate from Greek to Gaelic when Jimmy Jack Cassie, who is fluent in Latin and Greek, is unable to. Jimmy asks " 'o oi biotoio malista kedeto' - what's that Manus?", to which Manus responds "Who cared most for his substance". Owen is also able to use Latin in everyday language, as shown on his arrival, "Father? - responde - responde!". Owen is perhaps the more successful brother, as he owns nine big shops in Dublin, has twelve horses, and can afford to employ six servants. On his arrival he seems to get along with everyone at the hedge school, and each person is greeted in a friendly manner, "How are you, boy?", excluding Manus. Though they acknowledge the presence of one another there seems to be a distance between the two brothers. Manus is the less successful brother of the two, and he is painfully aware of it. He makes remarks about his being "lame", as mentioned above, and believes it has hindered him in life. He works at the hedge school as his father's assistant, despite its inevitable closure, earning a low wage of "the odd shilling" which his father "throws" him. The use of the word 'throw' in this sentence suggests Hugh's treatment of his eldest son. Manus is treated like a servant by Hugh, ordering him to fetch things such as "strong tea" and "a slice of soda bread". Manus is a responsible character, and is liked by everyone at the hedge school. He often takes over lessons from Hugh when he has had a few too many drinks, and is also in charge of Hugh's affairs. He controls many factors involving the hedge school, including the financial aspects, for example "Nora Dan...still owes him two-and-six for last quarter's reading". Though Manus is an educated man, whether or not he is using this to his advantage is debatable.
The relationship between Manus and Owen is distant at first. Upon seeing eachother for the first time in six years they greet one another rather formally-"And Manus!" "You're welcome Owen". Owen then turns his back to face the others at the school. Though Owen makes physical contact with each of the school members, there is no contact with Manus, creating a slightly cold atmosphere amongst them. Despite this, Manus is the only one to ask about his arrival, and the only one to care whether Owen has been enlisted as a soldier. When speaking to Manus about this matter Owen is rather patronising and condescending. His use of "quiant" and "archaic" to describe their language supports this further. Owen uses the phrase "you people" to describe the people of Baile Beag, suggesting his detachment from his Irish roots-he no longer identifies with them. Owen also suggests he is in support of anglicizing place names by using the phrase "the King's good English". He thinks that English is a 'good' language, superior to all others. This is supported by his blasé attitude towards being called Roland. He says "Owen-Roland-what the hell. It's only a name. It's the same me, isn't it?". This carries great significance, as it shows Owen's attitude regarding the changing of place names, though the fact that he follows this question with the phrase "Well, isn't it?" gives reason for us to believe that he is looking for assurance, that he is unsure of himself. However, despite the somewhat tense atmosphere, they later celebrate like friends when Manus announces his new job. They even plan to spend Christmas together, showing that it is only the business of the Ordnance Survey and Owen's apparent support for it which stands in the way of their relationship. When Manus decides to leave Owen offers financial help and agrees to take his place in the family household as 'guardian' of Hugh during his stay in Baile Beag, a great gesture of friendship and loyalty.
It has already been stated that Hugh treats Manus as if he is a slave. The authoritive tone which is used to give orders shows Hugh's attempt to exercise his power over his son. However, when Owen returns home Hugh is overcome with joy. We see him become speechless and begin to stutter "I-I'm-I'm...", which is unlike his character, who is normally very witty. Owen and Hugh actually embrace on his arrival, when throughout the play there is no physical contact between Hugh and Manus. Even though he is at a loss for words Hugh still manages to find time to order Manus to get Owen some food and drink. Owen is similar to Hugh, and likes to question people in the same way. Perhaps this is why Hugh regards Owen so highly. When Owen has "one small thing" to say, Hugh's response is "Silentium!". Everyone must stop to listen to what he has to say. Also, Hugh is aware of the inaccurate translation given by Owen in Act I, as well as the way the Englishmen call him 'Roland', and makes nothing of it. This shows the roles which are played by Manus and Owen in the O'Donnell household. Interestingly, throughout the play Manus and Hugh hardly speak to eachother, apart from a few short exchanges where Hugh orders Manus to carry out one task or another.
The relationship between Yolland and Owen is that of two good friends. When Yolland is first introduced he is extremely nervous, and stutters in an attempt to speak. However, a few days later in Act II and in the presence of Owen "he is at home..". Yolland has no hesitation talking to Owen, and Owen in turn is able to speak to Yolland in an informal manner, for example Owen says "Don't be such a bloody romantic". Also, Owen does not use Yolland's official ranking when addressing him ("Lieutenant"), but calls him by his first name George. Manus' feelings towards Yolland, however, are not as friendly. Manus is reluctant to welcome anything associated with the English, and Yolland is no exception. He behaves in a hostile manner towards Yolland, refusing to speak English in his presence and labelling him a "colonist". In addition to this Manus shows his negative attitude towards the Englishman when he belittles his attempt to learn Gaelic-"I'm picking up the odd word, Manus." to which he replies "So". Though the purpose of Owen and Yolland's trip to Baile Beag was to help anglicize place names, both find they no longer want to do so. Yolland falls in love with the town and it's people, and with his help Owen is reminded of his roots and his identity. He realises that names carry meanings, which should not be "eroded", as Yolland says. The story of the derivation of Tobair Vree helps Owen to remember that names are a part of history, and should remain that way. This is strengthened by their decision to leave the place name Tobair Vree as it is, rather than try to find it's English equivalent. This brings Owen and Yolland closer as friends, and is reflected in Yolland's relationship with Manus later on. When Manus reveals he has a new job Yolland is sincerely happy for him, and Manus is also sincere in his reply, as they shake hands "warmly" on his departure.
Manus is portrayed throughout the play as a caring character, especially in his treatment of Sarah. He speaks to her with a warmth that no other in the hedge school does-"Those are lovely, Sarah". Manus is very affectionate when dealing with Sarah, and though this behaviour may be an everyday occurrence for him, Sarah has read more into the situation than he has intended. He kisses her on the head and hugs her a few times, and she is full of "embarassment" when he receives the flowers given to him, yet he seems unaware of Sarah's feelings for him. On occasions he simply ignores what she has to say, for example when she actually is able to say her name to Owen she is "elated at her success", and shares this with Manus, who just ignores her. Despite this she is fiercely loyal to Manus, and upon seeing Maire and Yolland together instinctively calls his name. Manus' departure leaves her feeling upset and guilty, and Manus kindly says she is not to blame-"you did no harm at all", yet he addresses her with no warmth or concern, as he has previously done.
