Antagonist

Character Role Analysis

Malachy McCourt Sr.

Malachy Sr.'s not an evil guy. He's smart, and he can be attentive and loving when he's sober. Unfortunately he's rarely sober. His actions are obstacles to the protagonists achieving their goals of a family life free from hunger and degradation. It could even be argued that Margaret and the twins died because of malnutrition caused by Malachy Sr.'s inability to bring home the money instead of drinking it up. But seeing as how all of his actions are a result of his addiction to alcohol, we'll give him a pass on being the sole antagonist. We'll name alcohol as the co-winner of this dubious title.