James Duffy is a fictional character from the short story "A Painful Case" by James Joyce. He is portrayed as a solitary man living in Dublin, who works as a clerk. Duffy is characterized by his routine lifestyle and emotional detachment, which ultimately leads to his isolation. Throughout the story, Duffy's interactions with others reveal his inability to connect on a deeper level. His relationship with Mrs. Sinico highlights his fear of intimacy and commitment. The narrative explores themes of loneliness and the consequences of emotional repression, making Duffy a poignant figure in Joyce's exploration of human relationships.