Alan Strang - A 17-year-old stable boy who has blinded six horses with a metal spike. He has an intense obsession and worship of horses, referring to them as "Equus".

Frank Strang - Alan's atheist father who is in conflict with his Christian wife over their son's upbringing.

Dora Strang - Alan's devoutly Christian mother who instilled religious teachings in him from a young age.

Jill Mason - A kind stable worker who befriends Alan and indirectly leads to the blinding of the horses.

Hesther Salomon - A magistrate who refers Alan's case to Dysart for psychiatric treatment.

Other minor characters include Harry Dalton (the stable owner), a Nurse, and a Young Horseman who gave Alan his first horseback ride as a child, sparking his equine obsession.

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Psychological Themes
It delves into the psyche of a disturbed teenager, Alan Strang, who develops a pathological religious fixation on horses. The play explores themes of religious obsession, ritual sacrifice, and the conflict between individual desires and societal expectations. It examines the role of the psychiatrist, Martin Dysart, in attempting to "cure" Alan while grappling with his own dissatisfaction and questioning the value of his profession.

Family and Religion
Alan's psychosexual trauma stems from the bitter divide between his Christian mother and atheist father, who push their opposing belief systems onto him. His fixation on horses and the deity "Equus" emerges from this dysfunctional family dynamic and his distorted understanding of religion and sexuality.

Style and Structure
The play is structured as a "psychodrama" or "case history", with Dysart narrating Alan's treatment and uncovering his motivations. It employs a highly theatrical and stylized production, with actors portraying horses through masks and hooves, blurring the lines between reality and Alan's mental world.

In summary, Equus tackles weighty psychological, religious, and social themes through its exploration of a shocking crime, making it a provocative and influential work of its time.

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The play's explicit content and themes of sexual and psychological dysfunction sparked significant controversy. The depiction of violent and erotic acts involving horses was particularly provocative, leading to debates about the boundaries of artistic expression and the potential impact on audiences.

It had a lasting impact on the theater world, influencing subsequent productions and playwrights.

In summary, "Equus" was generally perceived as a powerful and provocative piece of theater that challenged audiences and critics with its daring subject matter and innovative presentation. Its ability to provoke thought and discussion about human nature and societal norms has cemented its place as a landmark work in modern drama.

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