Grew up… in England at the turn of the 20th century. Arthur comes from a line of Romani criminals who took up residence in Birmingham, England. He is the eldest Shelby child and has experienced loss and heartache over the years. Arthur fought in the tunnels during World War I and suffers from severe PTSD.
Living… in the neighborhood of Small Health, Birmingham. Arthur spends his days smoking cigarettes and downing whiskeys. Since the war, drowning his sorrows in drugs and alcohol is the only thing that helps him forget. Lately, even this hasn’t been enough, so he turns to cocaine.
Profession… gangster. Arthur may be the oldest Shelby brother, but he is most definitely not in charge. Arthur isn’t great with numbers or playing nice, so he is often assigned the dirtier jobs. Smashing men against concrete pillars or cutting off ears is just part of the job. Arthur has a little too much fun doling out blows.
Relationship status… single. Arthur is a bachelor and wouldn’t have it any other way. He frequents the brothels, favoring one night stands to long-term relationships.
Challenge… finding his footing in the Shelby family while dealing with his mental health. Arthur hasn’t had it easy. Years of getting punched in the head have damaged something in him, and he’s not sure he wants to keep living. Tommy has effectively taken over the Peaky Blinders, and Arthur feels like he is losing his sense of purpose.
Personality… crude, violent, and depressed. Arthur is spirited and lively, but deep down, he is battling serious demons. He saves face by channeling his anger outwards, getting into fights and looking for trouble.
I'm an expert in the realm of Peaky Blinders, a British television series that provides a gripping portrayal of post-World War I Birmingham and the Shelby crime family. My in-depth knowledge stems from a thorough understanding of the characters, their backgrounds, and the intricate plotlines that unfold throughout the series.
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Background and Upbringing: Arthur Shelby grew up in England at the turn of the 20th century. He hails from a line of Romani criminals who settled in Birmingham. This historical context is crucial in understanding the cultural and familial influences that shape Arthur's character.
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War Experience and PTSD: Arthur fought in the tunnels during World War I, an experience that left him with severe PTSD. This sheds light on the psychological trauma he carries from the war, influencing his behavior and mental state.
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Residence: Arthur lives in the neighborhood of Small Heath, Birmingham. This setting plays a significant role in the series, reflecting the socio-economic conditions and the environment that contributes to the characters' development.
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Daily Habits and Coping Mechanisms: Arthur copes with the aftermath of war by spending his days smoking cigarettes, drinking whiskey, and resorting to drugs like cocaine. These habits offer insights into his struggles with addiction and the challenges he faces in trying to numb the pain.
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Occupation - Gangster: Arthur is a part of the Shelby crime family and works as a gangster. Despite being the oldest Shelby brother, he is not in charge due to his shortcomings in dealing with numbers and diplomacy. The article highlights the gritty aspects of his profession, involving dirty jobs like violence and intimidation.
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Relationship Status and Personal Life: Arthur is portrayed as a bachelor who frequents brothels, preferring one-night stands over long-term relationships. This aspect of his personal life adds complexity to his character and relationships within the series.
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Challenges and Mental Health Struggles: Arthur faces the challenge of finding his place within the Shelby family while grappling with severe mental health issues. The article suggests that he is losing his sense of purpose, and the dynamics within the family, particularly with Tommy, contribute to his internal struggles.
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Personality Traits: Arthur is described as crude, violent, and depressed. Despite his spirited and lively demeanor, there's an underlying battle with personal demons. His coping mechanism involves channeling anger outwardly through fights and seeking trouble.
This comprehensive analysis provides a nuanced understanding of Arthur Shelby's character, his background, challenges, and the multifaceted aspects that contribute to his portrayal in Peaky Blinders.
