Answer:
Colin's mother is a woman very stressed by the war and the social situation she lives in and, therefore, she is often insensitive to the issue of her children's emotional needs, although she wants them to be safe.
Colin's brothers are ordinary people, also stressed by the war, but companions at times.
Explanation:
Colin Broderick is a writer who grew up in Northern Ireland during a period of great hostility, violence and tension due to war.
Colin lived this time together with his family, as everyone was stressed by the war, living together was sometimes not very pleasant, although Colin's brothers were often his only companions. Colin's mother was extremely concerned about the safety of her children, often ignoring their needs for affection and knowledge.
This whole environment was very influential in Colin's personality, bringing even many problems to his personal life, which he had to overcome with time.
