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As the protagonist, Furlong represents an ordinary family man who lives an ordinary life. His mundane daily routine consists of waking up, having his tea, going to the coal yard, making deliveries, coming home, scrubbing the dirt off his hands, eating dinner, saying goodnight to his daughters, and trying to sleep. Furlong’s tendency to overthink things stems from his childhood, throughout which he was bullied for being the son of a young, unmarried mother. He has never known who his father is, and the uncertainty has affected his sense of identity. Throughout the story, Furlong often reflects on his childhood and the moments that have shaped him. He wrestles with insecurity and anxiety and is troubled by questions about the role that the church plays in his community.  

Furlong is a worrier, concerned about providing for his family and raising girls in a troubled world. He is aware of the gossip in town about other community members and people’s ignorance about the girls staying at the convent. Though many suspect something might be going on, they choose not to question it, accepting the idea that the girls are simply there to be "reformed." He views the gossip with skepticism, torn between respecting people’s privacy and doubting the truth of it all. Eileen takes a more dismissive view, arguing that he should not concern himself with the lives of others. He grapples with the purpose of his life, frequently daydreaming about how things could be different and wondering if any of it truly matters.  

Raised by Sarah and Mrs. Wilson, and now the father of five daughters, the women in Furlong’s life have nurtured him, shaping his “soft-hearted” personality and teaching him to be generous and respectful towards others. He offers a ride to a young boy, gives spare change, sends free logs to a neighbor, checks on his daughters’ well-being, and provides generous bonuses to his crew. The kindness shown to him by his mother, Mrs. Wilson, and Ned inspire his small acts of generosity and give him the courage to help Sarah Redmond, thereby confronting the injustices at the convent. His conscience is weighed down by the knowledge that his mother could have ended up in the convent if it weren’t for Mrs. Wilson, and he dreads the thought that one of his own daughters could be faced with the same fate. When he accepts the risk of potentially serious consequences by helping Sarah, he realizes his true purpose: standing up for those who have been ignored or mistreated by society and doing the right thing, no matter the cost. 

Bonus fact: In the 2024 film adaptation of Small Things Like These, Oscar-winner Cillian Murphy was cast as Bill Furlong.

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