Normal People Characters Analysis
Marianne - Marianne Sheridan is the second child of two wealthy solicitors from Carricklea. Her father is physically abusive with her mother and with her, but he passes away when she is still very young. She has a dysfunctional relationship with her family that causes her to develop low self-esteem. Connell is her first friend and first experience of love. Their relationship remains a foundational part of her personality, even when their personality traits keep them away from one another despite their powerful emotions. Eventually, she and Connell begin a healthy and functional relationship dynamic during the final stages of the novel.
Connell - Connell Waldron is the only child of a single working-class mother, Lorraine, who works as a cleaner for the Sheridans. He is popular in school because of his athleticism, and intelligence. He considers others' opinions to be extremely important and feels insecure about his poor background. These feelings are heightened when he interacts with Marianne, but he also experiences a deep intimacy with her since he feels understood by her. Their miscommunication and insecurities fuel repeated breakups, while Connell struggles to navigate the world with his limited economic means. Eventually, he can secure a scholarship and admission into a prestigious writing in New York.
Alan - Marianne’s abusive brother is often physically abusive with her, and constantly verbally abusive. He repeatedly implies that his abuse is a consequence of her behavior and that she deserves to be treated badly. His attitude towards Marianne and her mother’s indifference cause her significant mental anguish.
Jamie - Marianne begins dating Jamie after Connell and she breaks up during university. She explains to Connell that Jamie is a sadist and enjoys hitting her during sex. She believes that she deserves to be treated so because she cannot bring herself to feel true emotions for him. Eventually, she breaks up with him after they fight while Connell is visiting them in Trieste with his friends. Jamie spreads nasty rumors about her after the breakup and causes all of her friends to take his side making her a social pariah once again.
Helen - She and Connell begin seeing each other after his relationship with Marianne. Helen makes Connell feel normal and whole, even though his feelings for her are not as intense as they are for Marianne. His feelings for Marianne are evident to Helen, and they lead her to break up with him just as Connell is dealing with the suicide of his friend, Rob.
