MAIN CHARACTERS
Tommy Shelby is the series' main character, played by Irish actor Cillian Murphy. He heads the Shelby family and is the leader of the Peaky Blinders. Tommy is cold, calculating and ruthless, but also charming and loyal. He does everything he can to improve his own position and his family's power. Along with his brothers, he served in the war. This traumatic experience changed him forever. In the series, we see how he brings power, money and enemies to the Peaky Blinders.
The character of Arthur Shelby is played by Paul Anderson. Although Tommy holds the reins, Arthur is the eldest of the Shelby brothers. Like his brothers, Arthur has suffered traumatic experiences during his time in the army. Arthur struggles with his inner demons, often losing himself in alcohol, drugs and temper tantrums. Arthur is a broken man who is always searching for himself and his place in the family. He is violent, ruthless and unpredictable. On the other hand, he always tries to live up to his family's expectations and is extremely loyal to the Peaky Blinders.
As Arthur and Tommy's younger brother, John always tries to live up to his brothers' reputations. He's extremely loyal to his family and the gang, and proves it time and again by acting in the family's best interests. Of the three brothers, he has the gentlest personality, but that doesn't mean he doesn't stand up for himself. In a fight, John is always at the front of the line to land a few big blows. John, played by Joe Cole, is the father of six children in total, but his first priority is always Peaky Blinders.