Faithful Place characters

Appears from the start

The head of Dublin's police undercover unit. He left his working-class family and Faithful Place at nineteen after his girlfriend Rosie failed to meet him for their planned escape to England. More than twenty years later, the discovery of her suitcase draws him back into the family he has largely avoided.

Appears from the start

Frank's first love, a teenager from a neighboring family in Faithful Place. The two planned to leave Dublin together in 1985, but she never arrived at their meeting place. Frank has spent years believing she chose to leave without him.

Appears from the start

Frank's nine-year-old daughter. Bright, curious, and accustomed to negotiating between her divorced parents, she knows little about the Mackey relatives until the discovery in Faithful Place brings them into her life.

Appears from the start

Frank's former wife and Holly's mother. Their marriage is over and their relationship is wary, but both are committed to protecting Holly. Olivia distrusts the volatile family environment Frank escaped.

First appears in chapter 2

Frank's older brother, who remained in Faithful Place and carries much of the practical responsibility for the Mackey household. Controlled and forceful, he resents Frank's departure and challenges his attempt to take charge after returning.

First appears in chapter 2

Frank's younger brother, warm-hearted and less combative than the other Mackey men. He still lives close to the family and is pleased to have Frank back despite the tensions surrounding the reunion.

Appears from the start

Frank's younger sister and his most reliable ally within the family. She alerted him when Rosie's suitcase was found and understands why he keeps his distance from their parents and siblings.

First appears in chapter 2

Frank's sister, who stayed connected to the family and has built a conventional adult life nearby. She participates in the uneasy family gatherings prompted by Frank's return.

Also known as Ma

First appears in chapter 2

The Mackey family matriarch, sharp-tongued, emotionally demanding, and determined to keep her children bound to the family. Frank's long absence has not reduced her ability to provoke or guilt him.

Also known as Da

First appears in chapter 2

Frank's alcoholic father, whose violent behavior made the Mackey home dangerous when the children were young. Age has diminished him physically without resolving the fear and anger he created.

First appears in chapter 5

A young detective on the official murder inquiry. He respects Frank's experience and quietly shares information even though Frank has no authority over the case and is personally entangled in it.

First appears in chapter 3

Rosie's father, a proud neighbor of the Mackeys who disapproved of his daughter's relationship with Frank. The renewed investigation forces both families to revisit old hostility and loss.