Father Ralph de Bricassart

Father Ralph de Bricassart is a fictional character from Colleen McCullough's novel "The Thorn Birds." He is an ambitious and conflicted Catholic priest who grapples with his deep love for Meggie Cleary, a woman tied to a rich family in the Australian outback. As he navigates his spiritual duties and personal desires, Ralph embodies themes of sacrifice, ambition, and the complexities of love. His character highlights the tension between religious obligations and human emotions, making him a compelling figure in literature who reflects the struggles of many facing similar dilemmas in life.