Characters

The novel About a Boy by Nick Hornby focuses on two main characters: Marcus Brewer and Will Freeman. Marcus is a twelve-year-old boy who struggles with bullying at school and his dysfunctional family life. He attempts to get Will to become part of his life as he lacks a support system.

Will is a 36-year-old man who lives a carefree and shallow life, often dating different women and avoiding any form of responsibility. His life changes when he meets Marcus and becomes involved in his life.

Fiona is Marcus's mother. She struggles with mental health issues, particularly depression, which profoundly affects her life and her relationship with Marcus. 

Ellie is a girl from Marcus's school who becomes one of his closest friends. She has a troubled background, and her friendship with Marcus plays a crucial role in his development and in helping him fit in.

Other characters that play a significant part in the novel include Marcus’s father Clive, a single mother named Rachel whom Will falls in love with, and Fiona’s friend Suzie. The relationship between Will and Marcus is a central part of the novel....