The Gallaghers

Francis "Frank" Gallagher: a father of six, an alcoholic and drug addict, avoids responsibility and often gets into trouble. Despite his destructive lifestyle, he occasionally displays glimpses of self-awareness.

Fiona Gallagher, the eldest daughter, effectively takes on the role of parent to her younger siblings. She struggles for a long time to stabilize the family situation until she decides to live for herself.

Philip "Lip" Gallagher: the eldest son with exceptional intellectual abilities and a mathematical genius. He struggles with a hereditary tendency toward alcoholism and seeks his own path outside of his dysfunctional environment.

Ian Gallagher: the middle son, struggles with mental health issues and questions of sexual identity. His arc includes a developing relationship with Mickey Milkovich. He has been a police officer for 25 years.

Deborah "Debbie": the youngest daughter, grows up before the audience's eyes. She makes the typical mistakes of a teenager from a dysfunctional family: she gets pregnant early, drops out of school, and searches for love and stability.

Karl Gallagher: a son with pronounced psychopathic tendencies in childhood, involved in crime, but eventually quit because his friend was sent back to prison, now 23, also works in the police.

Liam Gallagher is the youngest child in the family, the half-brother of the others. Smart and inquisitive, he gets a chance to study at a prestigious school, but faces difficulties due to his actions.

Veronica "Vee" Fisher and Kevin are neighbors of the Gallaghers, whose family is in many ways the opposite of Frank's. Their relationship is full of unconventional solutions, but is based on mutual support.

Mickey Milkovich: falls in love with Ian Gallagher. He goes from aggression and homophobia to a healthy relationship, working with Ian for 30 years as a police partner.