Michael Furey is a character from the short story "The Dead," written by James Joyce. He is depicted as a young man who was romantically involved with Gretta Conroy, one of the main characters. Furey’s untimely death from pneumonia deeply affects Gretta, influencing her emotions and memories throughout the story. In the narrative, Furey symbolizes lost love and the impact of the past on the present. His memory serves as a poignant reminder of the choices and sacrifices made in life, highlighting themes of nostalgia and regret that are central to Joyce's work.