Haymitch Abernathy is an important character in Suzanne Collins's The Hunger Games. He has many memorable characteristics, and here are two descriptors of his character to get you started.

Haymitch is troubled, as evidenced by his alcoholism. His alcoholism, like that of many people who live with the disease, is a complex issue that can be analyzed from an outsider's perspective, but possibly, only Haymitch himself knows why he drinks. As a former tribute and winner of the Hunger Games, Haymitch has killed many people, and now he coaches tributes in the art of surviving the Hunger Games. Unfortunately, thanks to his role, Haymitch sees many of his tributes die. All of this death could cause Haymitch significant pain and sorrow, and it may be that he drinks to avoid thinking about it.

Haymitch is manipulative, which makes him a clever strategist and a very effective coach to Katniss and Peeta. Because he has been a part of the Hunger Games for a long time, Haymitch knows how to use the media that surrounds the games to Katniss's advantage.

Though Katniss is reluctant to play to the audience when Haymitch encourages her to give viewers a bit of romance, she understands that his strategy is a strong one. Katniss follows Haymitch's advice, trusting both his intelligence and her own intuition that he is right.