Ulysses Everett McGill
Protagonist of 'O Brother, Where Art Thou?', charming con artist
Ulysses Everett McGill is the central character of the Coen Brothers' 2000 film 'O Brother, Where Art Thou?', portrayed by George Clooney. A smooth-talking, well-read con artist and chain gang escapee, Ulysses embarks on a picaresque journey through 1930s Mississippi in search of treasure and his estranged wife Penny. Named as a direct homage to Homer's 'Odyssey,' the character embodies classical literary references while existing in a distinctly American vernacular landscape. Ulysses is defined by his verbose eloquence, his pomade-slicked hair, and his desperate schemes to regain his former life and status. Throughout the film, he encounters various colorful characters including his fellow escapees Pete and Delmar, a one-eyed Bible salesman, and various musicians. His character arc reflects themes of redemption, self-deception, and the American Dream, all filtered through the Coen Brothers' distinctive dark comedic sensibility. The film's rich use of period music and literary allusion elevates Ulysses from a simple criminal protagonist to a symbol of American ambition and resilience.
Fictional Character
American
O Brother, Where Art Thou?
Thinking about the name
Ulysee
Greek origin
“A French spelling variant of Ulysses, Ulysee adds a distinctly Gallic pronunciation and elegance to Homer's wandering hero. The French form softens the English harshness while maintaining the mythological weight, making it attractive to parents with French heritage or those seeking a name with Continental sophistication.”