Characters / Streets of Fire

Streets of Fire Characters:

Tom Cody

"You know somethin'? The only trouble with kickin' the shit outta you is it would be too easy."

Portrayed by: Michael Pare

• Anti-Hero: Tom Cody has a bad attitude and initially only agrees to rescue the damsel because of the money.
• Badass Driver: After driving the Roadmasters out of the Diner, Tom takes Reva on a ride in his new car. They are then pulled over by Price, who remarks on how troublesome Tom was in the past.
• Badass Longcoat: Tom Cody wears a drab trench coat and Raven is often seen in a black leather duster.
• Cool Car: After giving the Roadmasters a Curb-Stomp Battle, he takes the car they brought into Richmond. Also Tom: "I just picked it up today."
• Combat Pragmatist: An unusual case in that his pragmatism leads him to be merciful: by shooting holes in the Bombers' bikes instead of the Bombers themselves, he avoids legal complications, and the conflict remains (Raven's version of) sportsmanlike and doesn't escalate to something murderous.
• Did Not Get the Girl: Tom and Ellen still have feelings for one another, but they both realize that they still don't work as a couple and depart on good terms.
• Drives Like Crazy: He likes to break in his new cars, as he demonstrates to his sister.
• Had to Be Sharp: Being an army veteran and involved in an unspecified war (Lampshaded to be similar to the Vietnam War), Cody had to be skilled in order to survive not getting killed in the war. This plays a pivotal part in Cody rescuing Ellen.
• Jerk with a Heart of Gold: Tom Cody. Saves his ex for money, kicks out her fangirl, and generally makes everyone dislike him... and then he lets Fish keep the money, reconciles with Ellen, and saves the town from the bikers. And is implied that he kicked the girl out to keep her safe.
• Knight in Sour Armor: Cody. A former soldier who has been disappointed by life, but he still knows right from wrong.
• My God, What Have I Done?: Tom seems to have this realization after everyone is alienated from him, and soon starts to set things right.
• Not So Stoic: The one time Cody really panics is when the Sorels' bus catches on fire and they can't cool it off.
• Only in It for the Money: Cody states that he's only saving Ellen for money, not love, but reveals his true feelings later.
• Technical Pacifist: Tom shoots holes in the Bombers' bikes instead of the bombers themselves to avoid legal complications and a murderous escalation of conflict.
• Would Hit a Girl: Knocks Ellen out so he can go back to Richmond for his fight with Raven and McCoy can continue taking her out of town.
• You Kill It, You Bought It: Technically all the Roadmasters were still alive when they left their nice car behind, but going back for it meant facing Tom again.

Ellen Aim

Tonight is what it means to be young

Portrayed by: Diane Lane

• All Girls Want Bad Boys: It's lampshaded by Price that Tom has a history of getting in trouble with the cops in his youth. Makes sense on why Ellen never got over him.
• The Chanteuse: Ellen Aim, who's played by Diane Lane.
• Complaining About Rescues They Don't Like: Ellen is furious that Tom went to save her for money. To be fair, Billy - who at the time wasn't aware of her previous relationship with Tom - inadvertently managed to inform her of this in the most hurtful way possible ("Do you think he did it for love? Because he's your greatest fan? He gets paid, dear."), and when confronted about it, Tom (in his own wounded pride and hurt feelings) rubbed it in her face that he had rescued her for money, not because he cared.
• Damsel in Distress: Ellen is kidnapped by Raven and his gang at the beginning of the film. Her rescue sets the plot into motion.
• Establishing Character Moment: Ellen's concert. She looks like a total badass in her performance... then Raven kidnaps her. After being put on his bike, she breaks and becomes a panicking mess.
• Meaningful Name: Ellen Aim: "The things they say and the things they do / Nothing's gonna stop us if our aim is true".
• The Load: Ellen never grows enough to give Raven a what for after her kidnapping. In fact, a large majority of the plot is basically Cody and company trying to keep Ellen safe from Raven and his goons.
• Over-the-Shoulder Carry: Ellen is given this treatment after Raven and his men attack the concert to kidnap her.
• Screaming Woman: Happens at the beginning of the film, but it's understandable. She performed in the Richmond so many times in the past that she didn't anticipated that this night would end with her getting kidnapped by the Bombers.

Billy Fish

"I never should have let myself get talked into this dumb benefit. I could be making some real money tonight. All right, let's get this thing started."

Portrayed by: Rick Moranis

• Androcles' Lion: Billy Fish does end up rewarding The Sorels, whose bus they snuck through town on (and go confiscated) by signing them up for lucrative contract.
• Boisterous Weakling: Downplayed. While he's not the traditional manly-man Tom Cody is, and while he's no good in a fight or a chase, he's also nervy, brave, and impossible to intimidate. He even stands up to Raven personally when Tom isn't around, and even having his lights punched out doesn't make him cower.
• The Dandy: Billy Fish wears a tweedy suit and bow-tie during the rescue operation, which completely contrasts with what everyone else is wearing.
• I Want My Beloved to Be Happy: Billy Fish is Ellen Aim's boyfriend as well as her manager, but he recognizes that Tom is Ellen's True Love and offers to stand aside. For his part, Tom realizes the in the long run, Billy is better for Ellen's career and her happiness. He also doesn't want to take Ellen's music away from her. (His original complaint was that he didn't like "coming in second to her music.") Each says Ellen would be better off with the other guy, leading to this exchange:
  Billy Fish: "Listen, Tom... I won't stand in your way with Ellen. I know how things are between you two."
  Tom Cody: (after a beat) "I'd only slow her down. Besides, she needs you more than she needs me."
  Billy Fish: "Sure, she needs me... but she loves you!"
  Tom Cody: "She'll get over it. Besides, she's used to me being unreliable and disappearing on her."
  Billy Fish: "Is that what I'm supposed to tell her?"
  Tom Cody: (shrugs) "You're better with words than I am."
• Jerk with a Heart of Gold: For all his whining and complaining, for all his constantly insulting and condescending to everyone he meets except Ellen, he rides right into Hell for Ellen along with everyone else, not to mention charging out into the fight onstage in the opening scene and trying to face down Raven just before the sledgehammer fight (he's pathetically ineffective both times, but still. Whatever else you can call him, he's no Dirty Coward). Furthermore, he quickly comes to the defense of the new band, showing he is definitely no racist either. Also, despite his petty greed, he agrees to not one, but two benefits in Ellen's old neighborhood (with notably less complaining the second time). See also: I Want My Beloved to Be Happy.
• Motor Mouth: Only when he is agitated.
• The Navigator: He's not crazy about going back, but he's the only one of the team who's lived in The Battery, so he's got to be the guide.
• Non-Action Guy: Billy has balls made of pure brass and won't let something like the knowledge he's about to get his ass kicked stop him.
• Screw the Rules, I Have Money!: He's not unfamiliar with greasing a few palms to get by.

McCoy

"Everywhere I go there's always an asshole."

Portrayed by: Amy Madigan

• The Alcoholic: She is introduced as a heavy drinker. When Clyde tells her that she's had enough, she clocks him in the face.
• Anti-Hero: McCoy is a drifter and it's hinted that after the war, the soldiers were not given help to help them take care of themselves. If anything, McCoy joins Cody to save Ellen to keep afloat in this lousy world.
• Badass Driver: Two occasions. The first during Ellen's rescue and then with the Sorel's tour bus through the battery.
• Girls with Guns: McCoy. The role was written as male. Amy Madigan just happened to give an awesome audition.
• Had to Be Sharp: Like Cody, she survived the war in repairing motor vehicles to help soldiers in the war. Her skills with firearms help in rescuing Ellen from the Bombers' hideout.
• Hero of Another Story: During the course of the movie, Tom had to ditch his newly-obtained Cool Car in the Battery so the Bombers couldn't follow them. McCoy went and got it back for herself before the end of the movie, which must have been interesting considering all the Bombers came back to the Battery at once themselves.
• Hypercompetent Sidekick: McCoy has shades of this, though it could stem from the villains being unwilling to hit a girl.
• The Lad-ette: McCoy was written as a man, but eventually cast with a female actor, turning her into one of these. Very little of her lines were changed.
• Only in It for the Money: Being a drifter is a horrible way to live. So when Cody has McCoy join in the rescue with a payment promise, she joined in.
• Playing Hard to Get: She tells Tom flatly that he's not her type, but later mentions to Reva that she likes to do this.
• The Squadette: McCoy, who else.
• Wrench Wench: McCoy, who does most of the driving.

Baby Doll

"I know you. I know who you are, dig? I love your stuff so much, I really do."

Portrayed by: E.G. Daily

• Ascended Fangirl: One of Ellen's fans decides to tag along with the group, even giving them crucial information about the police patrols.
• Motor Mouth: Baby Doll is one of Ellen's fangirls.
• No Name Given: Ellen's fan, who's called "Baby Doll" in the script.
• What Happened to the Mouse?: Baby Doll is last seen helping Ellen after Tom gets his payment from Billy. She isn't seen anywhere during the concert after the final battle. It's a mystery of where she went once the story concluded.

The Sorels

Countdown to love

Portrayed by: Stoney Jackson, Grand Bush, Robert Townsend, and Mykelti Williamson

• Character Signature Song: I Can Dream About You
• Cool Shades: All four wear these during their performance at the ending.
• Doo Wop: The type of music the band performs.
• Establishing Character Moment: The Sorels sing Countdown To Love after Cody has McCoy hijack their tour bus. Upon seeing a police blockade, The Sorels then warn Cody and the gang about the dirty cops in the Battery. As thanks for helping them return Ellen to the Richmonds safely, Billy Fish signs them on as the opening for Ellen's charity concert after the Bombers leave The Richmond District and becomes their manager.
• Fake Band: The Sorels are this. Though Robert Townsend is a real life singer.
• Four-Man Band: Averted and a 'literal' sense. There are four men in the Sorels: Bird, Reggie, Lester, and BJ.
• Lyrical Dissonance: I Can Dream About You is catchy, but the lyrics are depressing. They foreshadow that Tom won't stay to be with Ellen.
• No Name Given: The audience is never provided the full, real names of every member of the band.
• Only Known by Their Nickname: Bird and BJ. Their real names are never provided.
• Only One Name: Lester and Reggie. Their full names are never given.

Reva Cody

Let me give you some news, Tom. The Bombers and this guy Raven Shaddock, they stole Ellen Aim.

Portrayed by: Deborah Van Valkenburgh

• Cool Big Sis: Reva Cody is Tom's big sister.
• What the Hell, Hero?: Reva gives one to Tom for his habit of alienating anyone who might care about him with his attitude. It works and he turns down his share of the reward, apologized to McCoy, and makes up with Ellen.

Officer Ed Price

"Well, he's always been a real bad ass. I busted him a couple of years ago. He had a pistol in the glove compartment of his car."

Portrayed by: Richard Lawson

• Do Wrong, Right: The police chief gives Cody permission to fight Raven after his plan to resolve it peacefully fails.
• Honor Before Reason: Officer Price tries his best to uphold the law by the book, which means he can't go after Ellen as it's outside his jurisdiction.
• Know When to Fold Them: The leader of a biker gang wants a mano-a-mano fight against a drifter at a certain place at a certain time? Thanks for showing up, you're under arrest. The leader summons his massive biker gang? Have a good fight.
• Out-Gambitted: The police chief tries to get Cody and Ellen out of town while he arrests Raven. He didn't expect Raven to have an army of bikers at the ready. Good thing Cody returned when he did.
• Screw This, I'm Outta Here: The police chief tries to get Cody and Ellen to leave the city to avert a final showdown. Cody—though unwillingly—gets Ellen away, but heads back to take care of the Bombers.
• Smart Cop, Dumb Cop: Clearly smarter and more experienced than his partner Cooley.
• Took a Level in Kindness: Price is initially hostile towards Tom, but compliments him on the rescue, and tells him to go fight Raven after seeing that his own gambit didn't work.

Officer Officer Cooley

Portrayed by: Rick Rossovich

• Smart Cop, Dumb Cop: Between him and Price, Cooley's the dumb cop, saying things that make Price roll his eyes or pointing out the obvious.

Clyde the Bartender

"I got beat up trying to save your old girl. I could use a little help with those guys. You should have been there, Tom. It would have been like the old days when we were in school. We'd have kicked ass."

Portrayed by: Bill Paxton

• Non-Action Guy: Clyde was the only audience member who attempts to stop the kidnapping and gets stomped. He comes off as a blowhard and appears to run away in fear prior to the sledgehammer fight. He's actually assembling The Cavalry.
• Spanner in the Works: Clyde got wiped by the Bombers when they came to kidnap Ellen. By getting Cody and McCoy to meet each other, he unknowingly launched the rescue efforts to save Ellen from Raven trying to sexually assault her. He also was responsible for bringing in The Cavalry. Thus driving the Bombers out of Richmond.

Pete the Mechanic

Portrayed by: John Dennis Johnston

Ben Gunn

Portrayed by: Ed Begley Jr.

• The Cameo: Ed Begley Jr. as Billy Gunn.

Greer

Portrayed by: Lee Ving

• The Dragon: Greer, Raven's second-in-command. The one who punches out Billy Fish. Played by Lee Ving, the former lead singer of the punk band Fear.
• Know When to Fold 'Em: Your leader is beaten and unconscious, about a hundred people whose neighborhood you raided and wrecked earlier are pointing guns at you and just gave you a Dramatic Gun Cock...yeah, "Let's get outta here" is a good idea.
• No One Gets Left Behind: Surprisingly, a villainous version. Once Raven is defeated, the Bombers pick him up and carry him away, not leaving him to be cleaned up by the police.
• Only Sane Man: Despite usually being Ax-Crazy, Greer seems to be the only one who realizes just how badly the fight is going for Raven, and is the one to realize you have to Know When to Fold 'Em.
• Villainous Friendship: See No One Gets Left Behind. Greer seems genuinely loyal to his boss.

Raven Shaddock

"Well, it looks like I finally found someone who likes to play as rough as I do."

Portrayed by: Willem Dafoe

• Badass Biker: Raven and the Bombers, obviously. The Roadmasters think they're this. They're not.
• Big Bad: Raven Shaddock, the head of the Bombers who kidnaps Ellen for his own purposes at the start of the film.
• Combat Pragmatist
• Hell-Bent for Leather: Raven and the Bombers are covered in black leather. In the climax, Raven strips down to some very fetishy leather overalls.
• I Have You Now, My Pretty: Raven tries to put the moves on Ellen, and this is essentially why he kidnapped her in the first place.
• I Lied: Raven lies to the police about bringing only two guys to the showdown.
• Kubrick Stare: When Raven calls in his reinforcements in the finale, his smug smile fades into a menacing Kubrick stare.
• Meaningful Name: Raven's name is an apparent reference to his greased hair, which forms a black beak over his forehead.
• Villainous Breakdown: As the street fight turns against Raven, he loses his cool in a big way, going from trembling on the edge of tears to berserk rage to out on his feet.
• Villainous Friendship: For his part, Raven at least cares enough to hold back Greer from doing anything foolish when McCoy has them at gunpoint.