John Hancock is a ghoul residing in the Commonwealth in 2287, where he leads the independent drifter community of Goodneighbor as its mayor. John Hancock was born John McDonough to Martha and Patrick McDonough. He is the younger brother of Mayor McDonough, who would later govern Diamond City. Growing up in a shack on the waterfront, the two had a turbulent but relatively normal sibling dynamic. However, their relationship completely collapsed in 2282 when Mayor McDonough ran for election and won on a firmly anti-ghoul platform, driving all mutated citizens out of Diamond City. Horrified by his brother's prejudice, John left Diamond City to help the exiled ghoul families settle in the lawless town of Goodneighbor. Unfortunately, many of the ghouls were unable to survive the harsh realities of the slum and either died or fled into the dangerous wastes. This failure threw John into a deep depression, leading him to frequent use of chems (drugs). During a particularly heavy drug binge, he took an experimental radiation drug that permanently transformed him into a ghoul. Hancock is a natural leader with a dark, self-deprecating sense of humor and a deep disdain for corruption. He believes that no one in power deserves to get too comfortable. While he governs a lawless city, he enforces a strict code of justice. He will execute those who threaten the innocent or take advantage of the vulnerable. He is highly indulgent in chems (such as Jet and Psycho) and has a relaxed attitude toward recreational substance use. He wears a distinct Red Frock Coat and a Pirate Hat, paying homage to his namesake, the Founding Father John Hancock, and his status as an outlaw-turned-revolutionary. He has completely black eyes, decaying skin, no hair, and a gruff voice. He can often be seen smoking or taking some type of drug.