Characterization

 The novel has two main characters that we follow, Marianne and Connell. Marianne is probably 18 years old and attends last year of secondary school. She comes from a rich family, she lives in what is called a "mansion" and her mother is solisitor. She  likes to challenge the people around her with harsh comments, and is for that reason not a popular student. She stays mostly at home, and is not used to socialize with friends in town or at school. Connell is her first boyfriend, and in that relationship she is both confinent and uncertain.

A contrast to Marianne is Connell. He attends the same school as Marianne, and is the popular, well-liked character. He is good looking, plays football and has dark hair. Marianne describes him as someone everybody likes. His personality is quiet and gentle. Contrary to Marianne, he comes from a poorer family with a single mother who works as a cleaner. These two young adults become a couple, and their relationship is deep and strong, and both feel relaxed in each others company. However, Connell wants his relationship to Marianne to be a secret. The secrecy

Setting

 The novel is set in a city called Carricklea, and Marianne and Connell plan to study in Dublin and Galway. These are cities in Ireland, so we understand that the novel takes place in Irland. Marianne and Connell are often at each other's houses. Marianne is from a rich family, and lives in a big house people call the mansion, while Connell lives in a terraced house with his mother. We also follow the two characters in school where Connell has many friends and Marianne has none.

The novel takes place in present time because the characters seem to lead a modern life with cars, mobile phones and present day school.

Characters

 In the beginning of the novel we meet three characters; Marianne, Connell and Lorraine. Marianne and Connell go to the same school, while Lorraine is Connell's mother. We are told a story about one of the teachers, Miss Neary, who apparantly fancies Connell. Marianne has a brother, Alan, who is very unpleasant towards Marianne.