The Able McLaughlins · Characters
Character guide
Key figures in The Able McLaughlins by Margaret Wilson.
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Wully McLaughlin
major
Also known as Wully, The elder McLaughlin, McLaughlin, great Wully, XIII Wully, council Wully, Uncle Wully
A young soldier returned from war to find his schooling stolen, his brother buried, and his family's pride in him shaken, Wully McLaughlin must rebuild himself as a man.
Chirstie
major
Also known as Only Chirstie, IX Chirstie
Shy, watchful, and carrying a grief she cannot speak aloud, Chirstie becomes the woman Wully claims as his own before he fully understands what claiming her will cost.
Isobel McLaughlin
major
Also known as Isobel, Isobel McLaughlin, the humbled Isobel McLaughlin, Each McLaughlin
Mother of thirteen and a force of cordial, unflinching will, Isobel McLaughlin manages her sons, her neighbors, and their secrets with a tongue sharpened by love.
Peter Keith
supporting
Also known as Peter, Peter Keith, the lazy Peter
Lazy, evasive, and coddled by a doting mother, Peter Keith rides the roads with a limp no one quite believes and a secret that will not stay buried.
Dod
supporting
Also known as Dod
One of the McLaughlin household's younger hands, Dod moves through weddings, chores, and family storms with the half-seen alertness of a boy among adults.
John Keith
supporting
Also known as John Keith, Aunt Libby, Libby, Libby Keith, Uncle John, Uncle John Keith, poor distracted Aunt Libby and Uncle John Keith
Uncle John Keith and his wife Libby hover over their grown son Peter with a devotion that the neighbors read as the root of his ruin.
Barbara McNair
supporting
Also known as Barbara, X Barbara McNair, Barbara McNair, McNair
A neighbor whose sharp tongue and sudden tenderness turn a wedding cake into a small act of grace for the shamed bride.
Jeannie McNair
minor
Also known as Jeannie McNair, Jeannie, McNair, Wee Jeannie, little Jeannie
Barbara's daughter, a young girl often seen in the community.
John McLaughlin
supporting
Also known as John McLaughlin, John, Uncle John McLaughlin, Uncle John
Wully's uncle, a farmer whose steady presence and walnut craftsmanship anchor the McLaughlin clan through scandal and celebration.
Wee Johnnie
minor
Also known as wee Johnnie, Johnnie, Wee Johnnie, Bonnie Wee Johnnie, little Johnnie
A young child, likely a relative, often mentioned in family scenes.
Alex McNair
supporting
Also known as Alex McNair, McNair, Alex, Mrs. McNair, The new Mrs. McNair, this Mrs. McNair, the new Mrs. McNair, Let Mrs. McNair, Mrs. Alex McNair
Barbara's husband, a neighbor farmer who knows when to hold his tongue and when to lift down the kists without being asked twice.
Mrs. McLaughlin
supporting
Also known as Mrs. McLaughlin
The McLaughlin matriarch whose ironed white dress and borrowed lamps turn a terrified bride into a wedding the whole settlement will remember.
Allen
minor
Also known as Allen
A young man from the community, friend or acquaintance of Wully.
Squire McLaughlin
minor
Also known as Squire McLaughlin, The Squire, the Squire
A local landowner and authority figure in the community.
Hughie
minor
Also known as Hughie, young Hughie, Presently Hughie
A young boy, possibly a relative or neighbor child.
Mr. Knight
minor
Also known as Mr. Knight, Knight
A professional or tradesman who interacts with the family.
Geordie Sproul
minor
Also known as Geordie Sproul, Young Sproul, Geordie
A local youth, sometimes in trouble or causing mischief.
Mary
minor
Also known as Mary
A female character, possibly a servant or neighbor.
Andrew McLaughlin
minor
Also known as Andrew, Andrew McLaughlin
Another member of the McLaughlin family, possibly a cousin.
David McDowell
minor
Also known as David, Davie, Davie McDowell
A friend or neighbor, often part of social gatherings.
Houghton
minor
Also known as Houghton
A character involved in local business or legal matters.
Andy McFee
minor
Also known as Andy, Andy McFee
A farmhand or laborer in the McLaughlin circle.
Gib McTaggert
minor
Also known as Gib, Gib McTaggert
A member of the McTaggert family, known for their feuds.
Jimmy McTaggert
minor
Also known as James, Jimmie, Jimmy McTaggert, The young Jimmy McTaggert, the great honest young McTaggert
A young McTaggert, often in conflict with the McLaughlins.
Flora
minor
Also known as Flora, Aunt Flora
An aunt or older female relative of the McLaughlins.
Sarah
minor
Also known as Sarah, fat Sarah, wee Sarah, small Sarah, little Sarah
A young girl, possibly a servant or neighbor child.
Lammie
minor
Also known as Lammie
A local character, possibly a tradesman or farmer.
Joseph
minor
Also known as Joseph
A minor character, possibly a hired hand or relative.
Janet Price
minor
Also known as Janet, Jennie Price
A woman from the community, mentioned in passing.
Nellie
minor
Also known as Nellie
A young female character, possibly a friend or relative.
