The Able McLaughlins · Characters
Character guide
Key figures in The Able McLaughlins by Margaret Wilson.
Wully McLaughlin
major
Also known as Wully, The elder McLaughlin, McLaughlin, great Wully, XIII Wully, council Wully, Uncle Wully
Central character and narrator, a young man returning from war to face family and community challenges.
Chirstie
major
Also known as Only Chirstie, IX Chirstie
Wully's love interest, a strong-willed woman whose past complicates their relationship.
Isobel McLaughlin
major
Also known as Isobel, Isobel McLaughlin, the humbled Isobel McLaughlin, Each McLaughlin
Wully's mother, a matriarch deeply involved in family affairs and secrets.
Peter Keith
supporting
Also known as Peter, Peter Keith, the lazy Peter
A local man whose actions set off a chain of events affecting the McLaughlins.
Dod
supporting
Also known as Dod
A family member or close associate, often involved in daily farm life.
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
Aunt Libby and Uncle John Keith, a couple providing support and comic relief.
Barbara McNair
supporting
Also known as Barbara, X Barbara McNair, Barbara McNair, McNair
A neighbor woman with a sharp tongue and strong opinions.
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 and family patriarch.
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
A neighbor and farmer, husband to Barbara McNair.
Mrs. McLaughlin
supporting
Also known as Mrs. McLaughlin
Wully's grandmother, an elderly matriarch of the family.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
