Ulysses Everett McGill
Charming con man protagonist with distinctive pomade obsession
Ulysses Everett McGill is the witty, articulate protagonist of the Coen Brothers' 2000 film 'O Brother, Where Art Thou?', portrayed by George Clooney. A charming con artist and ladies' man with an obsession for pomade and his appearance, Ulysses escapes from a chain gang in 1930s Mississippi alongside two fellow convicts in search of buried treasure. His character is a modern reimagining of Homer's Odysseus, complete with a journey filled with colorful encounters, temptations, and obstacles. Throughout the film, Ulysses demonstrates his smooth-talking con artistry while maintaining a veneer of sophistication despite his circumstances. The character's dialogue is deliberately archaic and literary, filled with malapropisms and flowery language that contrasts humorously with his criminal background. His relationship with his ex-girlfriend Penny and his pursuit of self-reinvention drive much of the film's narrative. The film's soundtrack, featuring bluegrass and gospel music, became iconic, and Ulysses' character became a cultural touchstone for the Coen Brothers' distinctive style of Americana storytelling.
Fictional Character
American
O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000)
Thinking about the name
Ulysses
Greek origin
“From the Latin Ulixes, derived from Greek Odysseus, Ulysses represents Homer's wandering hero of the Odyssey, whose name embodies cunning, resilience, and the spirit of adventure. The name has been borne by one of America's greatest generals and presidents, Ulysses S. Grant, cementing its association with leadership and determination. It carries both classical gravitas and an adventurous, slightly roguish charm.”