As any writer will probably say: "Sometimes". Most are a combination of people I know, my own Family, etc. Historically, no, not really. Some elements of my family history, old family stories, and old family homes come into the books, of course. But, let's get specific about the MEN...
Morgan....Suffice to say up front that I couldn't be married to that man. I don't know many who could, except Amy, of course. He was affected profoundly by his mother's death when he was nine, but his very nature was different and difficult before that.
His father, Gerald McKenna once tells Amy that Morgan, "loves hardly at all". But that doesn't mean that he doesn't love deeply. He doesn't want to love Amy, but he does. He finds children an inconvenience, but Boone steals his heart and Brynn cuts her teeth on it. His brothers are an annoyance that he cannot get on without; as are Eli Brett and his wife, Temple. He is bookish, reading Shakespeare and the Bible. He is undeniably Christian and spiritual, as well as being quite ruthless when his family is threatened.
Kevin....Morgan's youngest brother of the three, he is gregarious, handsome and openly loving. He was the fun-loving, mischievous one of the three and is a direct contrast to Morgan's broodiness. As an adult, married to Janine, he is slower to anger, more able to laugh at himself and also able to ride herd on his own three boys when necessary. He will be the mainstay of the Family for many years, and faces more challenges than most.
Boone...Morgan's oldest son, he is not happy under his father's direction and will break away early. Although he has a wild streak when in his teens, he has a sweet nature that lends itself to making him everyone's big brother, not just Morgan's offspring. He also has a strong sense of Family loyalty within the Family that will bring him shoulder to shoulder with Brynn and sometimes at odds with other members of the clan.
Jordan...Morgan's younger son, a twin to Jerusha, Jordan becomes the black sheep of the Old House Bunch (Morgan's branch), until WWI intervenes and brings him back to his roots. Forced by necessity to work for the family at a young age, separated from his twin and losing his parents imprints his sensitive nature, leading him away, and then back again. He will, in later years, become a leader in spite of himself.
Jackson Flynn....oh dear. A drifter and a trapper around Dooley, Jackson is attracted to Brynn McKenna when she is only a child, although he does nothing to approach her. He has a past riddled with loss and disruption, he has many secrets. He is also completely smitten with Brynn for years and will bide his time. While having a true heart for all the McKennas, his secret past will haunt them for decades.
Stephen Darcy...Another member of Dooley town who makes his way into the McKenna inner circle, Stephen meanders through Old House for years, courting several of the girls of the clan. He will stay so close to the Family, he will always be considered a member, even when at times, he also will betray them.
Buck....Kevin's eldest son, Buck is dependable, transparent, and no-nonsense. Although there is a murky state to his heritage, he is a true McKenna in his loyalty and way of being. He is Kevin's right hand man in all things and, when tested, his true strength of character comes to the fore.
Adam....Kevin's second son, and also the handsomest, Adam has his father's confidence as well as a good dose of conceit. He also is lustful for Brynn, a fact that he tries to divert by marrying another. He is a puzzle to his parents; a boy who had everything going for him who grows into a man whom nothing will satisfy.
Clay...Kevin's youngest son, Clay has fiery red hair and a temperament to match. Happy-go-lucky, sometimes irresponsible, and a born hero, he is brash and bonnie, sometimes leading his father to tear his own hair. He grows into one of those people that everyone loves, and that they always remember.
These are the main men of the McKenna first generation. My readers will know I have left out some of the most prominent men, for they will come out later. Don't worry....Max and Comfort and Fletcher will be talked about! And next time The Ladies McKenna will make a bow....