Meet the Cast
Frank McCourt
I think I can, I think I can, I think I can. Frank's story is like an Irish version of The Little Engine that Could except with fleas, hungry children, death and disease, and no train. But the sen...
Angela McCourt (née Sheehan)
Although the book's written from Frank's perspective, we think it's really Angela's story. Angela Sheehan was born in a slum in Limerick, Ireland. Frank says early on that she was born with "sad bl...
Malachy McCourt Sr.
The Holy TrinityIt's clear that Malachy Sr.'s a complex man. He's a bad alcoholic who spends his wages in the pub while his family starves. He can be reckless and impulsive and gets fired from jobs...
Minor Characters—Family
Laman GriffinAngela's sleazy cousin Laman takes advantage of Angela and the boys while they live with him. He usually comes home drunk after work and forces Angela to clean up after him and empty h...
Frank's Teachers
Mr. BensonMr. Benson is the oldest teacher at Leamy's National School. He spits all over the boys when he talks and hates it when the boys ask him questions. Mr. O'Halloran aka HoppyHoppy's the hea...
Frank's Schoolmates
Paddy ClohessyPaddy's probably the poorest boy in Frank's class. He lives in filthy conditions and is usually full of scabs and bruises because he has to fight his siblings for his clothes. Eventua...
Family Friends and Other Residents of Limerick
Theresa Carmody Theresa's one of the people who Frank delivers telegrams to. She seems to have a "seize the day" attitude towards life because of her illness, and she has a rep with the delivery bo...