Hal Mason was a 17-year-old senior in high school in Somerville, Mass. before the alien invasion. After his mother Rebecca is killed and he sets out with his father Tom and younger brothers Matt and Ben, Hal struggles with asserting his independence in a dangerous world and his father thinking of him as one of his children who has to be protected. He is stubborn and doesn't always listen to his father. Still, he looks out for his brothers when their dad isn't around.He becomes a capable fighter and scout for the 2nd Massachusetts Militia Regiment.Hal is dating Karen when the series begins, but he fears she is lost when she is captured by the aliens. She maintains a strong hold on him.He later meets Maggie, a fiercely personal and guarded young woman who is associated with John Pope's outlaw crew when they kidnap Hal. Although Hal and Maggie (shippers call them Mal ) butt heads at first, they later develop a flirtatious relationship, although they have to work through her relationship issues.Background: Played lacrosse in high school.