Michael MacDonald
The author and narrator. All Souls is a biography about Michael's upbringing in Southie and the difficulties his family faced in their rough South Boston neighborhood.
Helen, "Ma"
The MacDonald matriarch whose tough skin and resilience is all that holds the family together in otherwise hopeless situations.
Davey
One of Michael's eight siblings, Davey has a schizophrenia that makes him a danger to himself. Ultimately, the despair of his difficult life and his constant mental struggle overwhelm him, and he commits suicide.
Frankie
A loving brother, Frankie is the one who takes the fall when Kevin is caught selling drugs. Frankie ends up in the criminal element when he takes the fall, and his career as a criminal is his downfall.
Kevin
After Frankie takes the fall for this other brother, Kevin, Kevin himself joins the military before landing back in Southie, back in the gang. He also suffers from serious depression and ultimately takes his own life.
Kathy
Michael's older sister, Kathy, is another victim of her environment, caught up in the drug scene. Her addiction to Angel Dust lands her in a coma when she falls from a roof down into the street below.
Steven
Michael's younger brother Steven is the victim of an attempt to frame him for a shooting, but the person shot actually shot himself. He is acquitted for the crime.
