John Patrick Shanley was born into a working-class Irish-American family in the Bronx in 1950. Doubt: A Parable, Shanley's play that was later adapted for the screen, is deeply influenced by the writer's childhood and early educational experiences. While enrolled in Catholic school, Shanley was the quintessential "rebel child." After he was expelled from Cardinal Spellman High School, Shanley attended another Catholic school by the name of Thomas Moore Preparatory School. At Thomas Moore, Shanley was first exposed to caring Catholic teachers and non-violent disciplinary practices. His experience at Thomas Moore became the driving inspiration for Doubt.
In a 2004 interview with The New York Times, Shanley explained, "The head of discipline at Thomas Moore was gay, and he was my friend and protector. Did he have his reasons for being interested in me? Everybody has their reasons. Passion fuels many things, and it's used in many ways. Many of these people never cross the line.'' Although Shanley maintained appropriate relationships with his teachers and confidantes, one of his younger relatives was molested by a priest. Doubt is Shanley's meditation on the nature of uncertainty and the importance of embracing dialogue and discussion.
In the program notes for Doubt: A Parable, Shanley wrote that Sister James was based on his teacher at St. Anthony School, Sister Margaret McEntee. The film adaptation, Doubt, is dedicated to this nun and her positive influence on Shanley's life. During the rehearsals for Doubt: A Parable, Sister McEntee coached actress Heather Goldenhersh on how to accurately portray a nun. Goldenhersh was later nominated for a Tony Award for her performance. Though the character of Sister James is based on a real figure in Shanley's life, Sister Aloysius and Father Flynn are entirely fictional.
