Gerty MacDowell is a character from the novel "Ulysses" by James Joyce, published in 1922. She is a young woman living in Dublin who plays a significant role in the book's exploration of everyday life and human consciousness. Gerty is known for her romantic ideals and her longing for love, which are depicted during her day at the beach. In the novel, Gerty's thoughts and feelings are revealed through a stream-of-consciousness narrative. This technique allows readers to experience her inner life, including her desires and insecurities. Gerty's character highlights themes of femininity and the complexities of human relationships in early 20th-century Ireland.