The 35th President of the United States and the brother of the author, President Kennedy is clearly the hero of Thirteen Days, as he leads the country to a peaceful resolution of the missile crisis. He is depicted as “a remarkably cool, thoughtful, nonhysterical, self-possessed leader, aware of the weight of decision, incisive in his questions, firm in his judgment, always in charge, steering his advisers perseveringly in the direction he wanted to go” (13). He feels keenly his responsibility for the fate of the world and is determined to do everything in his power to avoid war.

The author of the memoir was the Attorney General at the time of the crisis, and also the brother and closest confidant of the President. Robert Kennedy emerges as an early supporter of a blockade and raises important moral issues about the consequences of a military attack on Cuba. He is unfailing in his support and admiration for the President, although he rarely refers to their family relationship. Like his brother, he is skeptical of the military recommendations.