The Shawshank Redemption: Each Main Character’s First & Last Lines

Frank Darabont’s The Shawshank Redemption was released over 27 years ago, yet its gripping story about Andy Dufresne hasn’t aged one bit. Whilst it was a box office bomb in the 90s, it is now regarded as one of the greatest movies of all time and features some iconic performances.

Most of the main characters are introduced at the beginning of Andy’s imprisonment. Throughout his time in Shawshank, characters come and go in the form of friendships or hardships, and whilst many characters got the ending they deserved, others deliver their final line sooner than fans wanted.

Bogs Diamond

First: “Hey. Anybody Come At You Yet? Anybody Get To You Yet? Hey, We All Need Friends In Here, I Could Be A Friend To You.”

Last: “No! No! No! Help Me!”

By far the least likable character In The Shawshank Redemption, Bogs was a vile inmate who took great pleasure in abusing Andy. During his first interaction with Andy in the shower, his twisted behavior and mannerisms quickly convey what his intentions are.

There was something oddly satisfying about Bogs’ final moments. After spending just a week in solitary for his brutal assault on Andy, Bogs returns to his cell to find Hadley and a guard waiting for him. As they carry out a savage attack, Bog tries to escape and is last heard screaming for help as he is dragged back into his cell.

Brooks Hatlen

First: “Are… Are You Going To Eat That?”

Last: “I Doubt They’ll Kick Up Any Fuss, Not For An Old Crook Like Me.”

The incredibly gentle nature that Brooks possessed was conveyed immediately in his first scene. Wanting to know whether Andy will eat a maggot he found in his food, Brooks takes it from him and feeds it to his pet bird.

Unlike most people, Brooks found life outside prison incredibly difficult. Unable to adjust, Brooks kills himself. In a letter to his friends, explains that he lived in constant fear and it’s unlikely that anyone will make a fuss about his decision. Brook’s heartbreaking subplot still holds up today and offers a different perspective on life after prison.

Tommy Williams

First: “Hey, Come On Old Boys! Moving Like Molasses! Making Me Look Bad.”

Last: “Just Give Me That Chance.”

Although many inmates entered Shawshank as timid and scared, Tommy was the opposite. He was never threatened by Red and his gang, as demonstrated by his first line. Because Tommy was significantly younger than the others, Red and Andy took him under their wing and warmed to him immediately.

There is something simply heartbreaking about Tommy’s final line. Having the evidence that Andy is innocent, Tommy explains to the Warden that he wants to testify and set Andy free. Realizing that Andy is of more use to him locked up, the Warden has Tommy shot dead to prevent the information from going any further.

Byron Hadley

First: “Do You Speak English, Butt Steak? You Follow This Officer.”

Last: “Stand.”

Abusing his position as Captain of the guards was frequently carried out by Byron Hadley. His status in the prison is apparent through his first line when he slyly insults a new prisoner arriving at Shawshank.

In pure disbelief over Andy’s escape, Red is brought to his cell by the Warden and is instructed to stand by Hadley, which happens to be the last order he ever gives. The Captain’s sadistic and cruel image is quickly discouraged by the movie’s end when he is arrested for his involvement in the corruption at Shawshank.

Heywood

First: “I Haven’t Seen Such A Sorry-Looking Heap Of Maggot Shit In All My Life.”

Last: “‘These Friends Of Mine Could Use A Couple Of Beers.’ And He Got It!”

When the new inmates arrive at Shawshank, Heywood is introduced as a member of Red’s gang. As they get off the bus, Heywood claims that this is among the saddest group of inmates he’s ever seen.

Despite not being the most intelligent character in The Shawshank Redemption, Heywood becomes one of the most likable and brings a humorous side to the narrative. After Andy’s escape, Red explains how they all deeply miss their friend, but inmates like Heywood spend a lot of their time laughing and remembering their fondest memories of him.

Samuel Norton

First: “This Is Mr. Hadley, He’s Captain Of The Guards. I’m Mr. Norton, The Warden. You Are Convicted Felons, That’s Why They’ve Sent You To Me. Rule Number One: No Blasphemy, I’ll Not Have The Lords Name Taken In Vain In My Prison. The Other Rules, You’ll Figure Out As You Go Along. Any Questions?”

Last: “Lickety-Split. I Want To Get Home.”

Introduced as the Warden of Shawshank, Norton quickly establishes his authority by telling new inmates the rules in his prison. His religious side is touched upon; however, it’s undermined by several malicious acts later carried out by his character.

On the night of Andy’s escape, Norton is last heard telling Andy to hurry up because he wants to get home – unbeknownst that it would be his final night at home. The next day, a local newspaper receives evidence of the money laundering and corruption in Shawshank, sent by Andy. To avoid prison time, Norton kills himself, committing his final cowardly act.

Ellis Boyd “Red” Redding

First: “Yes, Sir.”

Last: “I Hope I Can Make It Across The Border. I Hope To See My Friend And Shake His Hand. I Hope The Pacific Is As Blue As It Has Been In My Dreams. I Hope.”

Having served 20 years of a life sentence, Red first appears in front of his parole board at Shawshank. Although he claims that he is rehabilitated, his parole is denied. It wasn’t long after this that Andy Dufresne entered his life and the two formed an endearing friendship.

After serving 40 years in Shawshank, Red is finally released. His final line shows that he now has hope in his life again, and Andy is the one to thank for that. Red’s captivating narration of the movie comes to a close moments before he reunites with Andy, and it’s one of the best quotes in The Shawshank Redemption.

Andy Dufresne

First: “It Was Very Bitter. She Said She Was Glad I Knew, That She Hated All The Sneaking Around, And She Said She Wanted A Divorce In Reno.”

Last: “Remember, Red, Hope Is A Good Thing. Maybe The Best Of Things. And No Good Thing Ever Dies. I Will Be Hoping That This Letter Finds You And Finds You Well. Your Friend, Andy.”

Andy begins his story looking as though he is about to commit a crime. Now standing trial for the murder of his wife and her lover, the scene cuts to a courtroom. He starts by explaining the fight he had with his wife and later proclaims his innocence.

After escaping Shawshank, Andy leaves a letter for Red and ends it by telling his friend that he should never give up hope, the very thing he never gave up whilst in Shawshank. The undeniable chemistry shared by Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman is what makes the friendship of Andy and Red unparalleled – and is also a reason why The Shawshank Redemption is one of the greatest movies of all time.