Introduction

Normal People is a show set in Sligo, Ireland and is based upon the book of the same name by Sally Rooney. It follows two chracters named Marianne Sheridan and Connell Waldron as they connect in high school and then go in and out of each other's romantic lives through college after attending the same university. More than just a love story, it touches on topics of depression, anxiety, grief, and more. It is an amazing display of the complications of relationships and learning lessons at a young age. Though heart-wrenching, it is worth the watch because of how beautiful and heartfelt it is. From experience, I really don't recommend watching it after a breakup because it will absolutely crush you!

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MAIN CHARACTERS

Marianne Sheridan (Daisy-Edgar Jones) is one of the main characters of the story. Though she grew up with a lot of money and is part of one of the wealthiest families in their small town, her family life is extremely strained. She experienced incessant bullying from her older brother, receiving no help from her mother. Her father, who was abusive, also died when she was young. With little friends in school, Connell becomes her comfort because his mom works as their cleaner. She is extremely smart and is the top of her class in school and bonds with Connell over their love for education. Though resilient, she is a fragile person and faces many hardships.

Connell Waldron (Paul Mescal) is the second main character of Normal People. Having grown up with a young single mother in a less wealthy part of town, he does not have the same luxuries as Marianne. He is a part of the popular group of kids in high school and plays rugby on the school team. Connell is the smartest of his friend and loves reading and learning. He finds solace in Marianne because he can talk about things with her that he can't with his school friends. He struggles heavily with anxiety which gets worse after going to college. Marianne remains his rock throughout this time in his life.

SIDE CHARACTERS

Jamie (Fionn O'Shea) is a horrible, intolerable human being. Pining after Marianne all through college, he tries to get in between her and Connell's relationship. He is also an incredibly rich snob who makes comments at Connell for his lack of wealth. When him and Marianne do date, he is horrible to her.

Alan Sheridan (Frank Blake) is Marianne's brother and also a horrible person. In the first episode, he forces Marianne to get out of the car and walk to school in the pouring rain. He went downhill after their father died and became an alcoholic. He is mentally and eventually physically abusive to Marianne and finds any way to blame his own problems on her.

Rob (Eanna Hardwicke) is one of Connell's high school friends who is a bully to Marianne. He makes comments at her in the halls of their school to make fun of her. Regardless, Connell remains friends with him and sees him when he goes back to Sligo. He later struggles with his mental health quite a bit.

SHOOTING LOCATIONS

SLIGO, IRELAND

TRINITY COLLEGE

ITALY