Doc is the protagonist in this novel which and there are two parts to his character, Doc before and after the war. Doc is a very intelligent man that is needed and loved by everyone in his community. He is the owner of Western Biological Laboratories, where he collects specimens that are used in science. He enjoys helping everyone, from testing cheap alcohol for Wide Ida, to fixing Hazels foot. Doc likes the feeling of being needed, he even gives his friends at the flophouse money when they ask. Doc is an honest man but because his best friend is Mack, the biggest hustler in Cannery Row, he tends to get dragged into his friend's schemes from time to time.
