Jensen McEnroe

**Jensen McEnroe** is the central protagonist of *The* *Phantoms of People*.

## Biography

### Background

Jensen Grady McEnroe was orphaned at the age of 12 when his father was caught in the crossfire of an explosion (The Uncle Sam Incident of 1959). His mother died giving birth to him, and it’s something he has always felt responsible for. Growing up just around his father, Jensen turned to jokes and gags to try to make his father laugh, to which he was successful. He frequently uses sarcastic comments in situations where he is uncomfortable, angry or even sad to try to cover up his true feelings towards the matter. Jensen has a very strong connection with Margot Spencer, who was brought in by Charles around the same time as teenagers. They are frequently at each other's hip, and their relationship is slightly envied by Sam Mendoza. As we find him in the present timeline, Jensen tries to ignore his past actions, but when he sees that other people suffer for the things he does, he begins to question everything.

## Character

### Personality

Jensen McEnroe is a brooding man, who focuses on the overall benefit of the gang. He does what it takes to get the job done, blocking out any and all feelings when it comes to the mission. Though he is capable of committing aggressive acts of violence, Jensen does have a playful side that he shows around many of his fellow gang members. He feels most comfortable and enjoys making sarcastic quips to his friends. He can also be seen as being very gentle, as Margot Spencer opens this side up for him, due to how close they are and how they were there for each other during their toughest times.

Jensen was trained heavily during his teenage years, and Charles Mendoza's influence affected him. Charles tried to teach them that killing was always necessary as a means to protect themselves. Jensen's ideology often clashed with Charles, which led to him getting harsher punishments than all of the rest. While Sam and Margot often kept to themselves around Charles, as they were afraid of him, Jensen was very vocal towards him, and Charles admired this, though he would never say it out loud.

Jensen is known to be very stubborn, as he can not be bullied, bribed or intimidated, no matter how big a rival is. He is aware of his size and imposing nature, and often uses that to get information that he needs from others. Though he is not afraid of any man, Jensen does show that he fears for those he cares about. Very confident in his ability to handle any situation, Jensen often takes on opponents when he is outnumbered.

As he states it, he is aware that he isn't a "good person", and understands that his behavior is morally wrong, though he often excuses it because he genuinely believed that he could help his people. Later, he realizes that he used this as an excuse, and that his philosophy was broken.

It wasn't until Jensen encountered Brad Cunningham, the husband of Vivian, that he realized just how drastic his actions had an effect on people. After thinking on everything he has done, he decides to try to be better, as that isn't how he wants to be remembered.

Regarding Jensen's general attitude, he is very stoic and calm, as he doesn't allow insults to affect him, which is something that enrages Lonnie Peters. Lonnie often takes stabs at him, but Jensen usually doesn't react or says something back to Lonnie that enrages him to a point of having to leave the room. The only criticisms that he takes to heart are those from Margot Spencer, as he knows they are true and that he can be better.

Jensen is intelligent and cunning, with a level of awareness that bests nearly anyone in the gang. This allows him to keep his composure in almost any setting, which many find calming as well, as they feel like Jensen can take care of any problem they present to him. Though he might feel frightened by some of these problems, he does not want anyone to see that side of him, so he often blocks it out and carries on as usual.

### Appearance

Jensen is often seen in leather jackets or unbuttoned shirts, as he dresses much like a greaser. He wears sneakers instead of dress shoes, as he believes in functionality over looks, and lets his hair do what is natural, as he does not want to take the time to put in product and style it. He dresses in a way that lets him be ready for any situation, unless he has to wear something specific for a mission.

## Skills

As the second-in-command of the Mendoza gang, Jensen is known as the most skilled member of the gang by 1969.