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What most intrigued me about the story of Galileo was that of his daughter Virgina. She is certainly a side character, which i think reflects who she is in many ways. She almost puts her whole life to the side, and follows her father. Initially, it seems to me that she whole-heartedly believes in her father's work blindingly (perhaps this is mirroring her father's loss of sight later in the book, and then she becomes his eyes, whereas the beginning she is blind to what he is doing and he is more conscious of his work). But, Galileo basically ruins her chances of happiness, im not really blaming him, but if it were me, I would leave my father to go an be happy with a man i love. Not only this, but towards the end of the book, she doesn't even seem to agree with him anymore. she has lost faith in her father. she prayed for him to give in to the church's wants. It's a waste to spend the rest of your life following someone you have no faith in.

also, the way galileo was portrayed in this play makes him seem to be completely and totally self-involved. he was constantly thinking of himself, not of his daughter, or of his colleagues. his conversation with andrea at the end shows this. Andrea basically gives him the benefit of the doubt, but galileo admits to his purpose for giving in to the church were for purely selfish reasons and was not part of an elaborate plan.

it's definitely an interesting play that showed a different side to a person that has been revered throughout history.