The son of A. J. Quartermaine and Carly Corinthos, and adoptive son of mob boss Sonny Corinthos, Michael is raised at the center of a bitter battle between the Quartermaine and Corinthos families. The character's most significant storylines include his accidental shooting of Kate Howard, his own shooting and waking from a coma, and being sent to prison for the murder of his stepmother Claudia Zacchara where he was raped. Most recently, the character has embraced his biological roots. Michael spent the majority of his life trying to emulate his adoptive father, but has since matured into a man in his own right.