Overview
Lorraine Baines McFly is a central character in the Back to the Future franchise, known as the mother of Marty McFly and wife to George McFly, with significant roles in multiple timelines and alternate realities depicted in the series and related media.
Character Background and Traits
- Born in 1938 in Hill Valley, California, eldest of six children.
- Engaged in typical teen rebellion, including drinking, smoking, and dating, though later denied this to her children.
- Physically described as attractive in her youth, with brown hair and eyes, later depicted with blonde or greying hair.
- Demonstrated resilience, standing up to Biff Tannen and supporting George McFly.
- Sought strength and protection in a partner, favoring men who could stand up for her.
Timeline and Major Events
Original Timeline (1955–1985)
- Met George McFly after he was nearly run over by her father; romance began at the Enchantment Under the Sea Dance.
- Married George in 1958 and had three children: Dave, Linda, and Marty.
- Suffered from depression, alcoholism, and dissatisfaction with George's lack of assertiveness by 1985.
Altered Timeline (Post-Marty's Intervention)
- Marty's time travel led her to nearly fall for him but ultimately cemented her relationship with George after his act of bravery.
- Emerged healthier, happier, and with a stronger marriage by the restored 1985.
Alternate 1985 (1985A)
- Married Biff Tannen after George's murder, becoming wealthy but abused and deeply unhappy.
- Kids sent away, endured physical and emotional abuse, and struggled with alcoholism.
The Future (2015)
- Still married to George, now wealthy and retired, but concerned about Marty's adult life and decisions.
- Blamed a 1985 car accident for Marty's lack of fulfillment.
Non-Canon Game and Comic Timelines
- Various realities depict Lorraine coping with dystopian societies, crime, and continued struggles with alcoholism.
- Some versions show her remaining resilient, others more affected by external circumstances.
Family and Relationships
- Daughter of Sam and Stella Baines; sister to Milton, Sally, Toby, Joey, and Ellen.
- Wife of George McFly; mother to Dave, Linda, and Marty McFly, grandmother to Marlene and Marty Jr.
- Married Biff Tannen in an alternate reality.
Behind the Scenes
- Character originally named Eileen in early scripts.
- Portrayed by Lea Thompson in films; voiced by Aimee Miles in the video game.
- Additional background and alternate storylines explored in cut scenes and draft scripts.
Appearances
- Major character in all Back to the Future films, novelizations, and video games.
- Featured in comic adaptations and the musical.
Key Dates / Deadlines
- Born: 1938
- Met George: November 5, 1955
- Married George: December 7, 1958
- Birth of children: Dave (1963), Linda (1966), Marty (1968)
- George's death in 1985A: March 15, 1973
- Seen in future timeline: 2015 (age 77)