Francis McCourt

The book’s author and main character, Francis McCourt is a religious and intelligent boy who grows into a man as he struggles to overcome the hardship and hunger he experiences while living in Limerick, Ireland during the 1930s and 1940s.

Malachy McCourt

Malachy McCourt is Frank's father, a proud Irishman raised in northern Ireland. His alcoholism and his inability to hold down a job is a constant theme in the book, but Malachy manages to earn affection from his children. Malachy is a tortured but sensitive man who fought for the Irish Republican Army and often returns home at night, drunk, getting his sons out of bed to join him in singing plaintive Irish battle songs.

Angela Sheehan McCourt

Angela Sheehan McCort is Frank's hardworking and long suffering mother, who endures miserable poverty and survives the loss of three children. Angela sets high standards for all...