Clay is a man with a painful childhood, an unpleasant past, and a lot of regrets. He's a deeply depressed, frustrated individual who never learns from his mistakes. He is ill-equipped to deal with life's problems and takes out his anger or frustration on his family, friends, and the whole of Moralton. He despises or fears the reality of his life and himself. He also hates being ignored, brushed off, and feelings of worthlessness. He copes by drinking alcohol which causes him to be an alcoholic.