main character

Many people find Mack to be the protagonist. He is the character that really moves the plot forward. The intelligent and scrappy leader of a group of bums, referred to as "the boys", Mack is a pillar of Cannery Row. He is philosophically-minded, but leads a life of rough-and-tumble ease. He spearheads the effort to throw a party for Doc, which reveals his flaws -his lack of foresight and ability to atone for wrongs, among others -and his positive characteristics -his love for Doc and his good heart.