A womanizer fixated on Sean Connery, who briefly manages to get clean before being drawn back to drugs.

A character who cheats the welfare system and is notable for his empathy, standing up for others when needed.

A violent and unempathetic sociopath who often instigates fights and represents the brutality of drug culture.

A once promising young man who descends into addiction after being introduced to heroin, ultimately facing tragic consequences.

Narrates two intense chapters marked by personal struggles, including dealing with the aftermath of his HIV diagnosis.

A victim of HIV/AIDS whose funeral prompts the characters to reflect on their lives and choices.

A childhood friend who successfully escapes the drug scene and maintains a relationship in London.

A fierce and aspiring feminist who confronts misogyny and works toward her education.

Mark's brother who joins the army and faces tragic political consequences, highlighting the era's tensions.

Mark's handicapped brother whose death is suggested to have influenced Mark's drug use.

A young relative of Mark, untouched by drugs and representing a purer family connection.

Frank's girlfriend who endures his violent behavior and represents vulnerability in the story.

A drug dealer with a significant role in Mark’s life, known for his ruthless demeanor and scams.

Known for his past crimes, his narrative explores darker elements of human behavior and consequence.

A young girl involved with Mark during a pivotal moment in the story, representing youthful vulnerability.

A baby whose death underscores familial themes in the narrative.

A drug dealer who plays a critical part in Mark's attempts to stay clean, illustrating the lengths addicts go to for a fix.

An Italian exile whose ambiguous encounter with Mark hints at themes of alienation and morality.

A character symbolic of the fear of HIV/AIDS that shadows the characters' drug-related activities.

Her tragic story reflects the societal stigma and fear surrounding HIV/AIDS during the era.

A junky who represents a moral boundary for Mark, highlighting the grim realities of addiction.