Bebdo (play)

Albert Gonsalves is a drunkard who is addicted to gambling and is the male protagonist.

Gertrude is the wife of Albert and the female protagonist.

Valente Gonsalves is the young son of Albert and Gertrude.

Paul is an acquaintance and drinking partner of Albert.

Pascoal is the gambling partner and friend of Albert.

Rustomji is the barman where Albert and his friends hang out.

President of the Piedade Society, an asilo (asylum) for the aged and helpless.

Secretary of the Piedade Society.

Nadkarni serves as a judge.

Godinho is the advocate.

Mahomed Cassim was changed to Mirza Ali, who is the bailiff.

The play focuses on the life of Albert Gonsalves, a character who struggles with alcoholism and gambling addiction. Despite being aware of the values and behaviors that would be beneficial for himself and his family, he is unable to overcome his vices. The play depicts Albert' repeated attempts to deceive his loved ones in order to spend time with his companions who share his addictions to gambling and alcohol. While aware of the beneficial choices for himself and his family, he prioritizes his internal conflicts over their well-being, ultimately leading to a sorrowful conclusion for both him and his loved ones.

The play portrays a conflict of perspectives among the characters regarding the treatment of Albert. One of the acquaintances of Gonsalves, known as Paul, experiences discomfort due to the proposition put forth by another character named Pascoal. Pascoal suggests the intentional intoxication of Gonsalves to exploit him financially, causing Paul to feel uneasy about the plan. However, the other gamblers present believe that in the context of gambling, there can be no room for compassion. Even Rustomji, the bartender, is aware of the harm and anguish that can result from alcohol addiction. Despite this understanding, his business interests take priority over ethical considerations or concern for others. The narrative indicates his disapproval towards Christians facing challenges with alcoholism and gambling, perceiving these addictions as sources of distress for their families.

Albert is illustrated as exhibiting an excessive level of self-esteem, hubris and a misconception about the nature of his social relationships. He holds the belief that his acquaintances hold him in high regard, and he perceives his wife Gertrude's respect as stemming mainly from her connection to him. Albert associates the respect he garners with his proficiency in serving alcoholic beverages, attributing the amicability he experiences to his role as a provider of liquor. Furthermore, he emphasizes that his occupation provides him with a substantial income surpassing that of many individuals in professions requiring advanced education. In contrast, Gertrude is portrayed as promptly discerning the fallacious nature of Albert's convictions about the nature of their social circles and his standing within them. In a foreshadowing manner, Gertrude anticipates a future scenario where their friends may depart if the availability of liquor diminishes, hinting at potential abandonment and suggesting a more transactional nature to these relationships. Gertrude's keen intuition is evidenced by her premonition that the news Gabriel intends to share with Albert may carry negative implications, as indicated by the hushed and secretive manner in which it is conveyed.

In addition to her perceptions regarding the nature of Albert's social relationships, Gertrude demonstrates foresight regarding the potential adversities that could affect the family of a breadwinner struggling with alcoholism. She envisions a scenario where continued unchecked drinking by Albert could lead to starvation and dire circumstances for his wife and children. Despite this bleak outlook, Gertrude is characterized by her unwavering and forgiving affection and dedication towards Albert, regardless of his well-known mistreatment towards her. The narrative further illustrates the tragic consequences of Albert's alcoholism when his young son, Valente, dies. Even in the presence of his deceased, presumably malnourished child, Albert is shown to continuously beg for a solitary drop of liquor, underscoring the powerful grip of his addiction and the devastating impact it has on his family.