Character Relationship Map: The Guard

Characters

• Sergeant Gerry Boyle (played by Brendan Gleeson) — protagonist
• Francis Sheehy (played by Liam Cunningham) — supporting
• Clive Cornell (played by Mark Strong) — supporting
• Liam O'Leary (played by David Wilmot) — supporting

Canonical Relationships

Family, romantic, and professional connections based on plot evidence.

• Francis Sheehy → Liam O'Leary (Power Commander)

  Sheehy orders O'Leary to murder Boyle after Boyle rejects Sheehy's pressure and bribery.

• Francis Sheehy → Clive Cornell (Power Lieutenant)

  Cornell is introduced as one of Sheehy's lieutenants and delivers a payoff on behalf of the criminal operation.

Story Dynamics

Alliances, conflicts, and narrative interactions that evolve throughout the story.

• Clive Cornell → Liam O'Leary (Alliance Criminal Associate)

  Both Cornell and O'Leary are identified as lieutenants and associates traveling with Sheehy during the criminal operation.

• Sergeant Gerry Boyle → Liam O'Leary (Conflict Enemy)

  O'Leary is ordered to murder Boyle in his home, but Boyle draws a Derringer and kills him.

• Sergeant Gerry Boyle → Clive Cornell (Conflict Adversary)

  Cornell appears with Sheehy during the criminal investigation, pays corrupt Garda inspectors, and is later confronted by Boyle at the dock.

• Sergeant Gerry Boyle → Francis Sheehy (Conflict Adversary)

  Boyle refuses Sheehy's attempted blackmail and bribe, then confronts him during the cocaine unloading at the dock.

Story Analysis

An unconventional Irish officer resists criminal power and institutional corruption while forming an unlikely investigative partnership.

Plot Progression

1. A Garda Out Of Place
2. Evidence Beneath The Surface
3. Pressure And Personal Loss
4. The Hunter Becomes The Target
5. Fire On The Water