The Blind Side Characters

Michael Oher

Michael Oher is the protagonist of The Blind Side. Born in an impoverished neighborhood in Memphis, Tennessee, he deals with chronic homelessness, drifting between different families and schools. When he is enrolled at Briarcrest, he meets the Tuohy family and is courted for his athletic talent. With the love and support of the Tuohys, Michael excels on the field and in the classroom though not without encountering some difficulties along the way. He is portrayed as kind, quiet, and protective.

Leigh Anne Tuohy

Leigh Anne is Sean's wife and an interior decorator. She takes Michael shopping for clothes and becomes incredibly close to him. More than anyone else in his life, Leigh Anne becomes Michael's primary confidante and emotional support. She legally adopts him and is fiercely protective of him, particularly when college coaches begin to take an interest in him. Lewis describes her as fiery and determined.

Sean Tuohy

Sean Tuohy is a wealthy business owner who played college basketball and grew up in poverty. He notices Michael and pays for his school lunches. He eventually takes him in and treats him like a son.

SJ Tuohy

SJ is Leigh Anne and Sean's son. He and Michael act like brothers, frequently competing and joking around.

Collins Tuohy

Collins is Leigh Anne and Sean's daughter. She and Michael treat each other like siblings.

Tony Henderson

Tony Henderson is the father of Michael's friend Steven. He is the one who helps Michael enroll at Briarcrest and frequently gives him a place to sleep.

Steven Henderson

Steven is Tony's son and Michael's friend.

Hugh Freeze

Hugh is Michael's high school football coach.

"Coach O"

"Coach O" is Michael's football coach at University of Mississippi.

Miss Sue

Miss Sue is Michael's tutor, who forms a close bond with him.

Lawrence Taylor

Lawrence Taylor was a linebacker who developed a fearsome reputation in the NFL and forced coaches to reevaluate the role of the left tackle.

Bill Walsh

Bill Walsh was an NFL coach who pioneered the more prominent use of the left tackle in football plays.

John Ayers

John Ayers was a left tackle who successfully kept Lawrence Taylor at bay, proving the importance of the left tackle position in stopping a powerful linebacker from catching the quarterback.