

In spite of his excessive drinking and drug use, he manages to survive and occasionally even prosper. The Functional Alcoholic: A Delicate Equilibriumįrank’s functional alcoholism is a crucial aspect of his character. Despite his many failings, Frank’s role in their lives underscores the remarkable resilience of the Gallagher children in the face of adversity. Although Frank’s actions are seldom in the best interest of his children, he nevertheless manages to provide them with a sense of identity and belonging, albeit a distorted one. His alcoholism, narcissism, and egocentricity often give rise to conflicts and crises, which in turn force the family to adapt and become more resilient. In order to keep the family afloat amidst the turmoil, the children, led by the resourceful and tenacious Fiona, assume various roles within the family structure.Īs the head of the household, Frank’s presence in the family is simultaneously destructive and, in a strange way, stabilizing. The Gallagher siblings are left to fend for themselves in their impoverished Chicago neighborhood, with an absent mother and a father who is almost always intoxicated. The Gallagher family is a prime example of dysfunction, consisting of Frank, his six children, and an ever-changing assortment of romantic partners. The Gallagher Family: A Portrait of Dysfunction As viewers we are intrigued by the depth and complexity of Frank’s character, as well as how his role as the dysfunctional patriarch of the Gallagher family intersects with his addiction.
#Frank from shameless series#
In the critically acclaimed television series “Shameless,” we find a fascinating character study in Frank Gallagher, portrayed brilliantly by William H.
