Character Analysis & Notes

FRANK McCOURT
-story written in his point of view (his memoir)
-curious, helpful
-as the eldest of the kids, he's the optimist
-caring (takes care of his younger brothers)

MALACHY McCOURT (the brother)
-(as a three- year old)
-he's playful, sensitive
-friendly, an admirer (became good friends with a seven- year old neighbour)

MALACHY McCOURT (the father)
-an alcholic
-a good storyteller (tells lots of stories to kids)
-lazy person, of little help to family chores
(except when drying the boys after their baths)
-irresponsible person (only married wife because of fierce encounter with wife's cousines- otherwise would have never considered marriage after his pre-marital relations)
-says: "I don't eat much. Food is a shock to the system"
-not a good listener (wife continues saying to him to bring his wages home)
-does have feelings though: absolutely adores daughter, Margaret- devastated at her death

ANGELA McCOURT (the mother)
-a woman of sacrifice (married upon duty)
-loving towards children (made sure they had at least something to eat)
-resourceful (made bizarre meals with what little she had)
-her background is of the "high class" Irish family
-struggling, thriving
-cries a lot at night sometimes when husband comes home drunk, no money, and the kids are crying for food

OLIVER & EUGENE McCOURT (the twins)
-TBA (too young to tell about their character, behaviour, etc...)