Mark Renton

Mark Renton is the closest thing to a protagonist in Trainspotting. He is a young heroin addict living in Leith who alternately kicks junk and relapses throughout the novel. Before the narrative begins, Renton goes to Aberbeen University for one term before dropping out. He gets into smack more heavily after he disabled brother dies in hospital.

When the novel, begins, Renton is at a low point in his addiction. He attempts to quit but soon relapses, only to witness his friend Sick Boy's baby die a crib death while they are all high. Renton is unemployed and when not high he orchestrates his various schemes to get extra unemployment and drinks at the pub with his friends Spud, Begbie, Matty, Davie, and Tommy. His is largely estranged from his parents and brother Billy, who is in the army.

On another spell of sobriety, Renton meets a...