The Sense of an Ending: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Sense of an Ending" explores the intricacies of memory, regret, and the impact of past relationships through its major characters. The protagonist, Tony Webster, navigates the complexities of his life, reflecting on his youth spent with a group of friends, including the highly intelligent Adrian Finn. Their dynamics shift with Adrian's arrival, a character whose brilliance and sensitivity stand in stark contrast to the others, ultimately leading to tragic outcomes. Veronica, Tony's college girlfriend, adds depth to the narrative as her relationships with both Tony and Adrian unfold, significantly affecting the course of their lives. Supporting characters like Colin, Alexander, and Marshall represent Tony's past, each embodying various aspects of youthful ambition and mediocrity. The story also introduces Veronica's family, particularly her mother, Sarah Ford, whose legacy further entwines with Tony's life through a will that includes significant items from the past. Through these characters, the novel examines themes of love, loss, and the poignant nature of recollections, inviting readers to reflect on how the past shapes present identities.
The Sense of an Ending: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Julian Patrick Barnes
First published: 2011
Genre: Novel
Locale: London, England; Bristol University; Chislehurst, England
Plot: Narrative
Time: 1960s and early twenty-first century
Anthony “Tony” Webster, protagonist and narrator. When first encountered, Tony is part of a clique of ordinary, fun-loving prep school students in central London, England. Once the intellectual and philosophical Adrian Finn joins, the group's dynamics change. The members of the group promise to remain friends forever but have only sporadic contact over the years. Tony studies history at Bristol University, travels, marries and divorces, fathers a daughter with his wife, and retires after an unmemorable career as an arts administrator.
Adrian Finn, a brilliant, sensitive, musically inclined, and athletic student. He is a latecomer to the group of friends, but has a dominating presence because of his superior mind and multiple abilities. He wins a scholarship to Cambridge University. He keeps a diary, writes constantly, and faithfully maintains contact with other members of the clique. Adrian dates Tony's former girlfriend Veronica and, the narrative eventually reveals, has a relationship with her mother. At age twenty-two, Adrian unexpectedly commits suicide.
Colin, Alexander, and Marshall, the other three original members of the high school clique. Colin Simpson, known as “Col,” is tall, witty, and profane; he attends college at Sussex. Alexander, known as “Alex,” seems like a philosopher, but his shallowness is exposed when Adrian joins the group; Alex does not attend college, instead joining his father's marine insurance business. Marshall is cautious, blissfully ignorant, and unambitious. They are unremarkable students, but curious and witty adolescents interested in books and the mystery of sex. As adults, they are equally unremarkable. They and Tony meet for drinks on the anniversary of Adrian's death.
Veronica Mary Elizabeth Ford, Tony's girlfriend for a time in college. Slender, five feet two, and brunette, she wears glasses. She is a few months older than Tony and has more sophisticated tastes than he. She invites Tony to her home to meet her family, but resists Tony's sexual advances until they break up, after which she consents to sleep with him. Veronica later dates Adrian. After a long period of time, Tony tracks down Veronica and begins corresponding with her. They meet in person several times, and she takes him to see a group of people that includes Adrian Jr.
Sarah Ford, Veronica's mother. When Tony meets her, she is in her early forties. She is taller than average, with a broad face and a breezy, sensual, artistic manner. Upon her death early in the twenty-first century, she bequeaths five hundred pounds to Tony in her will. According to her letter, she has also included Adrian's diary, but Veronica has destroyed the document.
John “Jack” Ford, Veronica's older brother. He is a good-natured, athletic individual when Tony first meets him. Later in life, he is apparently a world traveler and successful businessman who allegedly communicates from exotic places such as Sydney, Australia.
Mr. Ford, Veronica's father. He is a large, loud, overweight, and red-faced man with a peculiar sense of humor.
Margaret, Tony's former wife. An attractive woman who has aged well, she was married to Tony for a dozen years and gave birth to their daughter, Susan, before running off with another man. Following Tony and Margaret's amicable divorce, she remarried, but her husband left her. Tony and Margaret remain friends over the years, and they regularly meet to dine together, to gossip, and to discuss mutual acquaintances.
Susan, Tony and Margaret's daughter. Married at age twenty-four to a doctor, she becomes the mother of two children. Susan and Tony retain a modern relationship, communicating primarily via e-mail and telephone.
Adrian Jr., Adrian Finn's intellectually disabled son. He is about forty years old, pale, gangly, and six feet tall. He wears glasses with thick lenses and is easily frightened. He is a member of the strange group of people that Veronica shows to Tony, who initially assumes Adrian Jr. is Adrian and Veronica's child. He finally realizes that Adrian Jr. is really Veronica's brother. His mother is Sarah Ford, who gave birth to him in her forties.