Shuggie Bain

Shuggie is the titular character of the novel, and the son of Agnes and Shug. As the youngest of Agnes' three children, Shuggie is the most affected by Agnes' drinking habit. From a young age he has lived in fear and anxiety of the catastrophic consequences of Agnes' alcoholism. As a result, he assumes for himself the role of caretaker for his mother. He often misses school in order to nurse his mother's hangovers, and to go with her to run her errands.

As a result of his constant anxiety over his mother, Shuggie has difficulty socializing at school. He is often severe with himself for not being interested in the things that the other boys in school like, such as football. It is evident from his precious way of speaking, his admitted indifference to girls, and his preference for playing with dolls and hairstyling, that Shuggie...