What is Arty’s role ?

Arty is the youngest son of Eddie and is 13 ½ years old; he also has an affinity for boldness and courage. Arty is much more inclined to make jokes when he is nervous or as a coping mechanism. He looks to Jay for approval, but develops his own opinions about his family’s situation. This is seen whenever he prods at Jay, yet still follows his lead in certain situations. He still has a hint of childish humor and stubbornness in him, but he grows up visibly throughout the play.