The novel About a Boy by Nick Hornby has a structure that focuses on the lives on the two main characters, Will and Marcus. The novel has 36 chapters that alternate between the two characters and the story unfolds chronologically.
The main characters of the story are Will and Marcus, who are complete opposites but manage to teach each other important life lessons. Marcus is a twelve-year-old boy who struggles with bullying and his dysfunctional family life. Will is a 36-year-old man who avoids responsibility and commitment and has no significant relationships.
The setting of the novel is the year 1993 and most of the story takes place in London. There are many references to popular culture that help to offer authenticity to the time setting.
The story is told from the perspective of a third-person narrator who embodies Will and Marcus’s perspective in alternate chapters. The narrator helps to offer important insight into the two characters’ inner lives.
The novel features informal language and a conversational and accessible tone. Humorous dialogue and symbolism help to enhance the story and to highlight some of its themes.
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Excerpt from the study guide:
Marcus's narrative, on the other hand, provides readers with a glimpse into his childlike innocence, vulnerability, and longing for a stable family. His perspective offers a stark contrast to Will's, highlighting the struggles of growing up with a single mother and being an outsider at school. Marcus does not often express his worries, mostly because he has no friends to rely on. While he pretends to be fine on the outside, his narration reveals that the reality is often different: “ ‘How often do you think about [Fiona’s suicide]?’ ‘I dunno.’ All the time, all the time, all the time. Could he say that to Will? He didn’t know” (Chapter 15, 86%).
At times, the narration appears to take on an almost stream-of-consciousness style, particularly when the character whose perspective is presented is worried or anxious: “ ‘Sorry to butt in, Rachel, but I have this weird relationship with a twelve-year-old boy. Is that any good to you?’ OK, the material needed some work, but it was there, definitely.” (Chapter 24, 55%).
The alternating first-person narration is a key structural element of the novel. It allows readers to see how the characters' lives interconnect and influence each other. This narrative technique underscores the theme of personal growth and transformation, as both Will and Marcus learn from each other's experiences. Moreover, the narrative style allows readers to witness the characters' evolving perspectives and empathize with their struggles and triumphs.
