Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
* TheEveryman: Richard lovingly describes the appearances of his friends, but not himself. He mentions he's "prone to freckles", and that's it. Readers are left assuming he must look just sort of... average.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
* ThemeTwinNaming: They have AlliterativeFamily names.
Changed line(s) 172 (click to see context) from:
* AffectionateNickname: Calls Camilla "Milly".
to:
* AffectionateNickname: Calls Charles calls Camilla "Milly"."Milly". BilingualBonus -- in Greek, "méli" means "honey".
Changed line(s) 174,175 (click to see context) from:
** BilingualBonus: In Greek, "méli" means "honey".
* AlcoholInducedBisexuality / ExperimentedInCollege: Charles is sleeping with both [[spoiler:Camilla and Francis]] on an ongoing (if infrequent) basis. But when he hooks up with [[spoiler:Francis]] it's always when he's drunk, and he [[ThatDidntHappen refuses to acknowledge it afterwards]].
* AlcoholInducedBisexuality / ExperimentedInCollege: Charles is sleeping with both [[spoiler:Camilla and Francis]] on an ongoing (if infrequent) basis. But when he hooks up with [[spoiler:Francis]] it's always when he's drunk, and he [[ThatDidntHappen refuses to acknowledge it afterwards]].
to:
Changed line(s) 177,178 (click to see context) from:
* AnimalLover: He adopts an old greyhound at the beginning of the year, and a stray cat at the end of the year. He didn't ''seek them out'' in either case, but when they needed a home, he jumped and took them in.
* BewareTheNiceOnes: In the early parts of the book, Charles is probably the most sensative of them all. Later, with the possible exception of Richard, Charles seems to [[MyGodWhatHaveIDone feel the worst]] about [[spoiler: Bunny's murder]], which is one of the reasons he has the most pronounced FreakOut.
* BewareTheNiceOnes: In the early parts of the book, Charles is probably the most sensative of them all. Later, with the possible exception of Richard, Charles seems to [[MyGodWhatHaveIDone feel the worst]] about [[spoiler: Bunny's murder]], which is one of the reasons he has the most pronounced FreakOut.
to:
* AnimalLover: He Charles adopts an old greyhound at the beginning of the year, and a stray cat at the end of the year. He didn't ''seek them out'' in either case, but when they needed a home, he jumped and took them in.
* BewareTheNiceOnes: In the early parts of the book, Charles is probably the mostsensative sensitive of them all. Later, with the possible exception of Richard, Charles seems to [[MyGodWhatHaveIDone feel the worst]] about [[spoiler: Bunny's murder]], which is one of the reasons he has the most pronounced FreakOut.
* BewareTheNiceOnes: In the early parts of the book, Charles is probably the most
Changed line(s) 182 (click to see context) from:
* CrazyJealousGuy / MySisterIsOffLimits: Very possessive of his twin sister, thanks to [[spoiler: their incestuous relationship]].
to:
* CrazyJealousGuy / MySisterIsOffLimits: Very Charles is very possessive of his twin sister, thanks to [[spoiler: their incestuous relationship]].
Deleted line(s) 186 (click to see context) :
* InVinoVeritas: Charles's recklessness and anger issues are much closer to the surface when he's drinking.
Changed line(s) 198 (click to see context) from:
* InformedFlaw: Francis alleges that Charles and Camilla are equally possessive over each other--but we never see anything at all that suggests Camilla is jealous over Charles, and she certainly shows no bitterness over the trysts Francis and Charles have. Of course, given that Francis is in love with Charles, he might be an UnreliableExpositor.
to:
* InformedFlaw: Francis alleges that Charles and Camilla are equally possessive over each other--but we never see anything at all that suggests Camilla is jealous over Charles, and she certainly shows no bitterness over the trysts Francis and Charles have. Of course, given that Francis is in love with Charles, he might be an UnreliableExpositor. Alternatively, Richard might be airbrushing Camilla's faults as a UnreliableNarrator.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
* HalfIdenticalTwins: Charles and Camilla initially appear to conform to this trope. As the plot unravels and their personality differences become more apparent they lose their united front (see TwinDesynch).
-->''Side by side, they were very much alike, in similarity less of lineament than of manner and bearing, a correspondence of gesture which bounced and echoed between them so that a blink seemed to reverberate, moments later, in a twitch of the other's eyelid.''
-->''Side by side, they were very much alike, in similarity less of lineament than of manner and bearing, a correspondence of gesture which bounced and echoed between them so that a blink seemed to reverberate, moments later, in a twitch of the other's eyelid.''
Changed line(s) 162 (click to see context) from:
* TwinDesynch: Richard initially introduces Charles and Camilla as HalfIdenticalTwins. As the plot unravels and their personality differences emerge they lose their united front. In contrast to their earlier descriptions, a minor character remarks that for twins they don't look much alike at all. [[spoiler: At the end, years after the resolution of the main plot, they barely speak to each other anymore.]]
to:
* TwinDesynch: Richard initially introduces Charles and Camilla as HalfIdenticalTwins. As the plot unravels and their personality differences emerge they lose their united front. In contrast to their earlier descriptions, a minor character someone remarks that for twins they don't look much alike at all. [[spoiler: At the end, years after the resolution of the main plot, they barely speak to each other anymore.]]]]
-->'''Sciola:''' Did you look more alike when you were little kids? I mean, there's a family resemblance, but your hair's not even quite the same color.
-->'''Sciola:''' Did you look more alike when you were little kids? I mean, there's a family resemblance, but your hair's not even quite the same color.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 202 (click to see context) from:
* TheSmurfettePrinciple: Richard remarks, "Being the only female in what was basically a boys' club must have been difficult for her." Camilla deals with being the only woman with intelligence and verve, for the most part, but being the object of three men's lust and love takes its toll after a while. Richard emphasizes that despite hanging out with all guys, she is nonetheless femininize. Not feminine is a stylized sort of way -- she's an UnkemptBeauty who sometimes wears her brother's clothes -- but more of an innate femininity of demeanor.
to:
* TheSmurfettePrinciple: Richard remarks, "Being the only female in what was basically a boys' club must have been difficult for her." Camilla deals with being the only woman with intelligence and verve, for the most part, but being the object of three men's lust and love takes its toll after a while. Richard emphasizes that despite hanging out with all guys, she is nonetheless femininize. Not feminine is a stylized sort of way -- she's an UnkemptBeauty who sometimes wears her brother's clothes -- but more of an innate femininity of demeanor.
Changed line(s) 205 (click to see context) from:
* UnkemptBeauty: At least some of the time. Bunny calls her a "bramble rose", and Richard notes how beautiful she is even when she's wearing her brother's clothes or her hair is a mess.
to:
* UnkemptBeauty: At least some Richard emphasizes that despite hanging out with all guys, Camilla is nonetheless femininize. Not feminine in a stylized kind of the time. way -- she has a "boyish haircut" and sometimes wears her brother's clothes -- but an innate femininity of demeanor. Bunny calls her a "bramble rose", and Richard notes how beautiful she is even when she's wearing her brother's clothes or her hair is a mess.rose, as opposed to your hybrid tea."
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 77 (click to see context) from:
* GracefulInTheirElement:
to:
* GracefulInTheirElement:GracefulInTheirElement: Henry is generally stoic, rather stilted and withdrawn, but in Greek he becomes more comfortable and demonstrative.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
* GracefulInTheirElement:
-->''...it makes me smile, even today, to think of Henry's calculated, formal English, the English of a well-educated foreigner, as compared with the marvelous fluency and self-assurance of his Greek -- quick, eloquent, remarkably witty. It was always a wonder to me when I happened to hear him and Julian conversing in Greek, arguing and joking, as I never once heard either of them do in English; many times, I've seen Henry pick up the telephone with an irritable, cautious "Hello," and may I never forget the harsh and irresistible delight of his "Khairei!" when Julian happened to be at the other end.''
-->''...it makes me smile, even today, to think of Henry's calculated, formal English, the English of a well-educated foreigner, as compared with the marvelous fluency and self-assurance of his Greek -- quick, eloquent, remarkably witty. It was always a wonder to me when I happened to hear him and Julian conversing in Greek, arguing and joking, as I never once heard either of them do in English; many times, I've seen Henry pick up the telephone with an irritable, cautious "Hello," and may I never forget the harsh and irresistible delight of his "Khairei!" when Julian happened to be at the other end.''
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 21 (click to see context) from:
** Richard is in awe of the whole clique, but Camilla and Henry in particular he describes in the romanticized manner of a crush. When considering the possibility of a tryst between Henry and Bunny, he's offended because he thinks Bunny's not attractive enough -- if Henry ''were'' to get with a guy, it should be a ''different'' guy. This is right after Henry saved Richard's life and spent a month nursing him back to health, so he's in peek Henry adoration mode at the time.
to:
** Richard is in awe of the whole clique, but Camilla and Henry in particular he describes in the romanticized manner of a crush. When considering the possibility of a tryst between Henry and Bunny, he's offended because he thinks Bunny's not attractive enough -- if Henry ''were'' to get with a guy, it should be a ''different'' guy. This (This is right after Henry saved Richard's life and spent a month nursing him back to health, so he's in peek health.) At the end, Henry adoration mode at appears to Richard in a dream, and he compares it to when Patroklos appears to Achilles in a dream in the time.''Literature/TheIliad''. The nature of Achilles and Patroklos's relationship is debated. In an interview, Donna Tartt said that an editor once told her a book written by a woman from a man's POV would not sell, and that she needed to rewrite it and GenderFlip Richard. Tartt said she couldn't do that because the main character would seem too in love with Henry if she did.
--->'''[[https://www.anothermag.com/art-photography/3209/donna-tartt-on-the-secret-history Donna Tartt]]:''' I couldn't have told the story I wanted to tell from a female point of view, because then there would be the question, "Is she doing this because she's attracted to him?" It would have been an interesting novel, but it wasn't the novel I wanted to write. There had to be no question, a way to keep it a purely moral decision and that was the territory of the novel. My main character had to be male.
--->'''[[https://www.anothermag.com/art-photography/3209/donna-tartt-on-the-secret-history Donna Tartt]]:''' I couldn't have told the story I wanted to tell from a female point of view, because then there would be the question, "Is she doing this because she's attracted to him?" It would have been an interesting novel, but it wasn't the novel I wanted to write. There had to be no question, a way to keep it a purely moral decision and that was the territory of the novel. My main character had to be male.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 21 (click to see context) from:
** Richard is in awe of the whole clique, but Camilla and Henry in particular he describes in the romanticized manner of a crush. When considering the possibility of a tryst between Henry and Bunny, he's offended because he thinks Bunny's not attractive enough -- if Henry ''were'' to get with a guy, it should be a ''different'' guy.
to:
** Richard is in awe of the whole clique, but Camilla and Henry in particular he describes in the romanticized manner of a crush. When considering the possibility of a tryst between Henry and Bunny, he's offended because he thinks Bunny's not attractive enough -- if Henry ''were'' to get with a guy, it should be a ''different'' guy. This is right after Henry saved Richard's life and spent a month nursing him back to health, so he's in peek Henry adoration mode at the time.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 50 (click to see context) from:
* AbusiveParents: ImpliedTrope. Henry is mostly estranged from his father for no reason that we ever learn. As a child, Henry suffered a serious injury that gave him permanent facial scarring, and Bunny says Henry gets uncomfortable talking about it.
to:
* AbusiveParents: ImpliedTrope. Henry is mostly estranged from his father for no reason that we ever learn. As a child, Henry suffered a serious injury that gave him permanent facial scarring, and Bunny says Henry gets uncomfortable talking about it. Bunny comes up with an explanation involving a car accident, but that's purely his own conjecture and doesn't seem to be true. Henry "drove fast and often recklessly" -- not the behavior you'd expect from a man who was in such a serious car accident as a child.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 54,56 (click to see context) from:
* AffablyEvil / AntiVillain: He does several things in the story that are definitely very bad, but he has genuinely positive qualities as well -- even saving Richard's life at one point.
* AmbiguouslyBi: According to Richard's gaydar, Henry is the straightest of the group, and he clearly loves Camilla. Yet if any of them had an affair with Julian (as Laforgue alludes to) it undoubtedly would've been Henry. Richard saw Henry kiss Julian on the cheek when they thought they were alone. Henry's the only one who's been to Julian's house. They're both the sort of people who would be into LoverAndBeloved just because it's an Ancient Greek thing. Towards the end, Henry tells Richard:
-->'''Henry:''' I loved him more than anyone in the world.
* AmbiguouslyBi: According to Richard's gaydar, Henry is the straightest of the group, and he clearly loves Camilla. Yet if any of them had an affair with Julian (as Laforgue alludes to) it undoubtedly would've been Henry. Richard saw Henry kiss Julian on the cheek when they thought they were alone. Henry's the only one who's been to Julian's house. They're both the sort of people who would be into LoverAndBeloved just because it's an Ancient Greek thing. Towards the end, Henry tells Richard:
-->'''Henry:''' I loved him more than anyone in the world.
to:
* AffablyEvil / AntiVillain: AntiVillain / SociopathicHero: He does several things in the story that are definitely very bad, but he has genuinely positive qualities as well -- even saving Richard's life at one point.
* AmbiguouslyBi: According to Richard's gaydar, Henry is the straightest of the group, and he clearly loves Camilla. Yet if any of them had an affair with Julian (as Laforgue alludes to) it undoubtedly would've been Henry. Richard saw Henry kiss Julian on the cheek when they thought they were alone. Henry's the only one who's been to Julian's house. They're both the sort of people who would be into LoverAndBeloved just because it's an Ancient Greekthing. Towards the end, Henry tells Richard:
thing.
-->'''Henry:''' I loved him [Julian] more than anyone in the world.
* AmbiguouslyBi: According to Richard's gaydar, Henry is the straightest of the group, and he clearly loves Camilla. Yet if any of them had an affair with Julian (as Laforgue alludes to) it undoubtedly would've been Henry. Richard saw Henry kiss Julian on the cheek when they thought they were alone. Henry's the only one who's been to Julian's house. They're both the sort of people who would be into LoverAndBeloved just because it's an Ancient Greek
-->'''Henry:''' I loved him [Julian] more than anyone in the world.
Changed line(s) 62 (click to see context) from:
* ChronicBackstabbingDisorder: By the end of the book, Henry has [[spoiler:accidentally killed a farmer, murdered Bunny, tried to kill Charles, and was apparently planning something for Richard.]]
to:
* ChronicBackstabbingDisorder: By the end of the book, Henry has [[spoiler:accidentally killed a farmer, murdered Bunny, tried to kill Charles, and was apparently planning something for Richard.Richard because YouHaveOutlivedYourUsefulness.]]
Changed line(s) 71,73 (click to see context) from:
* GeniusBruiser: Henry tends to hit harder than he means to. A major plot point.
* GeniusCripple / HandicappedBadass: He walks with a slight limp, and is prone to migraines.
-->'''Bunny:''' Henry had a bad accident when he was a little boy. Got hit by a car or something and nearly died. He was out of school for a couple years, had tutors and stuff, but for a long time he couldn't do much but lie in bed and read. I guess he was one of those kids who can read at college level when they're about two years old. [...] ''[lowers his voice]'' Know the way he parts his hair, so it falls over the right eye? That's because there's a scar there. Almost lost the eye, can't see out of it too good. And the stiff way he walks, sort of a limp. Not that it matters, he's strong as an ox. I don't know what he did, lift weights or what, but he certainly built himself back up again. A regular Teddy Roosevelt, overcoming obstacles and all.
* GeniusCripple / HandicappedBadass: He walks with a slight limp, and is prone to migraines.
-->'''Bunny:''' Henry had a bad accident when he was a little boy. Got hit by a car or something and nearly died. He was out of school for a couple years, had tutors and stuff, but for a long time he couldn't do much but lie in bed and read. I guess he was one of those kids who can read at college level when they're about two years old. [...] ''[lowers his voice]'' Know the way he parts his hair, so it falls over the right eye? That's because there's a scar there. Almost lost the eye, can't see out of it too good. And the stiff way he walks, sort of a limp. Not that it matters, he's strong as an ox. I don't know what he did, lift weights or what, but he certainly built himself back up again. A regular Teddy Roosevelt, overcoming obstacles and all.
to:
* GeniusBruiser: Henry tends does not have the [[GeekPhysiques physique typically associated with scholars]]. He's strong -- really strong. Strong enough to hit harder than suggest he means to. A major plot point.
must work out, at least a little, despite that not seeming like a very Henry-like activity. This may be related to his disabilities (subtilty implied to be the result of a childhood beating from an abusive father) and not wanting to be physically vulnerable.
* GeniusCripple / HandicappedBadass:He Henry walks with a slight limp, his eyes aren't very good, and he is prone to migraines.
-->'''Bunny:''' Henry had a bad accident when he was a little boy. Got hit by a car or something and nearly died. He was out of school for a couple years, had tutors and stuff, but for a long time he couldn't do much but lie in bed and read. I guess he was one of those kids who can read at college level when they're about two years old. [...] ''[lowers his voice]'' Know the way he parts his hair, so it falls over the right eye? That's because there's a scar there. Almost lost the eye, can't see out of it too good. And the stiff way he walks, sort of a limp. Not that it matters, he's strong as an ox. I don't know what he did, lift weights or what, but he certainly built himself back up again. A regular Teddy Roosevelt, overcoming obstacles and all.\\
''[later]''\\
'''Julian:''' Henry's not as strong as he looks. His eyes bother him, he has terrible headaches, sometimes he has a difficult time...
* GeniusCripple / HandicappedBadass:
-->'''Bunny:''' Henry had a bad accident when he was a little boy. Got hit by a car or something and nearly died. He was out of school for a couple years, had tutors and stuff, but for a long time he couldn't do much but lie in bed and read. I guess he was one of those kids who can read at college level when they're about two years old. [...] ''[lowers his voice]'' Know the way he parts his hair, so it falls over the right eye? That's because there's a scar there. Almost lost the eye, can't see out of it too good. And the stiff way he walks, sort of a limp. Not that it matters, he's strong as an ox. I don't know what he did, lift weights or what, but he certainly built himself back up again. A regular Teddy Roosevelt, overcoming obstacles and all.\\
''[later]''\\
'''Julian:''' Henry's not as strong as he looks. His eyes bother him, he has terrible headaches, sometimes he has a difficult time...
Changed line(s) 84 (click to see context) from:
** Henry is also the only member of the Greek Class to intervene when [[spoiler: Charles becomes abusive towards Camilla, giving her a place to stay and hide from him.]]
to:
** Henry is also the only member of the Greek Class to intervene when [[spoiler: Charles becomes abusive towards Camilla, giving her a place to stay and hide from him.]]
Deleted line(s) 92 (click to see context) :
* SociopathicHero: Heavily deconstructed and subverted.
Deleted line(s) 94 (click to see context) :
* YouHaveOutlivedYourUsefulness: To Charles, and apparently Richard.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 50 (click to see context) from:
* AbusiveParents: ImpliedTrope. Henry is mostly estranged from his father for no reason that we ever learn. As a child, Henry suffered a serious injury that gave him permanent facial scarring, and Bunny says Henry gets uncomfortable talking about it. Bunny comes up with an explanation involving a car accident, but that's purely his own conjecture and doesn't seem to be true. Compare Henry ("who drove fast and often recklessly" but nonetheless is comfortable in a car) with the twins (who lost their parents in a car accident and are nervous travelers as a result).
to:
* AbusiveParents: ImpliedTrope. Henry is mostly estranged from his father for no reason that we ever learn. As a child, Henry suffered a serious injury that gave him permanent facial scarring, and Bunny says Henry gets uncomfortable talking about it. Bunny comes up with an explanation involving a car accident, but that's purely his own conjecture and doesn't seem to be true. Compare Henry ("who drove fast and often recklessly" but nonetheless is comfortable in a car) with the twins (who lost their parents in a car accident and are nervous travelers as a result).
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 50 (click to see context) from:
* AbusiveParents: ImpliedTrope. Henry is mostly estranged from his father for no reason that we ever learn. Henry suffered a serious injury that gave him permanent facial scarring as a child, and Bunny says Henry gets uncomfortable talking about it.
to:
* AbusiveParents: ImpliedTrope. Henry is mostly estranged from his father for no reason that we ever learn. As a child, Henry suffered a serious injury that gave him permanent facial scarring as a child, scarring, and Bunny says Henry gets uncomfortable talking about it.it. Bunny comes up with an explanation involving a car accident, but that's purely his own conjecture and doesn't seem to be true. Compare Henry ("who drove fast and often recklessly" but nonetheless is comfortable in a car) with the twins (who lost their parents in a car accident and are nervous travelers as a result).
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
* HatedHometown: A little-discussed trait Henry shares with Richard. It could be because Henry comes from St Louis, Missouri, which the book frames as bland. This could also be another detail implying that Henry -- like Richard -- has an abusive father.
-->'''Henry:''' ''[to Richard]'' You're not very happy where you come from, are you? ''[beat]'' Don't worry. You hide it very cleverly. ''[beat]'' The others really don't understand that sort of thing, you know.
-->'''Henry:''' ''[to Richard]'' You're not very happy where you come from, are you? ''[beat]'' Don't worry. You hide it very cleverly. ''[beat]'' The others really don't understand that sort of thing, you know.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 169,170 (click to see context) from:
* AnimalLover: Charles has a soft spot for animals in need. He adopts an old greyhound at the beginning of the year, and a stray cat at the end of the year. They needed a home, and he jumped and took them in.
* BewareTheNiceOnes: With the possible exception of Richard, Charles seems to [[MyGodWhatHaveIDone feel the worst]] about [[spoiler: Bunny's murder]], which is one of the reasons he has the most pronounced FreakOut.
* BewareTheNiceOnes: With the possible exception of Richard, Charles seems to [[MyGodWhatHaveIDone feel the worst]] about [[spoiler: Bunny's murder]], which is one of the reasons he has the most pronounced FreakOut.
to:
* AnimalLover: Charles has a soft spot for animals in need. He adopts an old greyhound at the beginning of the year, and a stray cat at the end of the year. They He didn't ''seek them out'' in either case, but when they needed a home, and he jumped and took them in.
* BewareTheNiceOnes:With In the early parts of the book, Charles is probably the most sensative of them all. Later, with the possible exception of Richard, Charles seems to [[MyGodWhatHaveIDone feel the worst]] about [[spoiler: Bunny's murder]], which is one of the reasons he has the most pronounced FreakOut.FreakOut.
-->'''Charles:''' ''[trying and failing to bring himself to pull the glass out of Camilla's foot]'' I can't do it. I'm afraid I'll hurt you.\\
''[later]''\\
'''Charles:''' ''[close to tears]'' But how, how could you possibly justify cold-blooded murder?
* BewareTheNiceOnes:
-->'''Charles:''' ''[trying and failing to bring himself to pull the glass out of Camilla's foot]'' I can't do it. I'm afraid I'll hurt you.\\
''[later]''\\
'''Charles:''' ''[close to tears]'' But how, how could you possibly justify cold-blooded murder?
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 169 (click to see context) from:
* AnimalLover: He adopts an old greyhound at the beginning of the year, and a stray cat at the end of the year. He didn't ''seek them out'' in either case, but when they needed a home, he jumped and took them in.
to:
* AnimalLover: Charles has a soft spot for animals in need. He adopts an old greyhound at the beginning of the year, and a stray cat at the end of the year. He didn't ''seek them out'' in either case, but when they They needed a home, and he jumped and took them in.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 7 (click to see context) from:
* CulturallyReligious: Henry and Francis and the twins -- that is to say, the real ''core'' of the clique -- were all raised Catholic. None of them are particularly faithful today, but Bunny's anti-Catholic tirades still get under their skin. There's something kind of aesthetically Catholic about dark academia -- old, lavish -- and it's the four of them who are the truly aesthetic ones in a way that WhiteAngloSaxonProtestant Bunny and Richard (no family religious affiliation) never really are.
to:
* CulturallyReligious: Henry and Francis Henry, Francis, and the twins were all raised Catholic, while Bunny comes from a WhiteAngloSaxonProtestant background, and Richard has no religious background at all. None of the clique are religious these days -- they're irreverent college students for one, and also being tutored by a man who's trying to impress pagan sensibilities upon them. Nonetheless, the Catholics have enough allegiance to their childhood religion that Bunny's anti-Catholic tirades get under their skin. Where it really shows, though, is to say, the aesthetics. They all have the aesthetics of their religious upbringings stamped into them. The dark academia aesthetic is very Catholic -- old, decadent, dramatic -- and the Catholic kids are the real ''core'' of the clique -- were all raised Catholic. None of them are particularly faithful today, but Bunny's anti-Catholic tirades still get under their skin. There's something kind of aesthetically Catholic about dark academia -- old, lavish -- and it's the four of them who are clique, the truly aesthetic ones in a way that WhiteAngloSaxonProtestant ones. Bunny is aesthetically very Protestant, and Richard (no family religious affiliation) never really are.that clashes with the group.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 7 (click to see context) from:
* CulturallyReligious: Henry and Francis and the twins -- that is to say, the real ''core'' of the clique -- were all raised Catholic. None of them are particularly faithful today, but Bunny's anti-Catholic tirades still get under their skin. There's something kind of aesthetically Catholic about dark academia -- old, lavish -- and it's the four of them who are the truly aesthetic ones in a way Bunny (Episcopalian family) and Richard (no family religious affiliation) never really are.
to:
* CulturallyReligious: Henry and Francis and the twins -- that is to say, the real ''core'' of the clique -- were all raised Catholic. None of them are particularly faithful today, but Bunny's anti-Catholic tirades still get under their skin. There's something kind of aesthetically Catholic about dark academia -- old, lavish -- and it's the four of them who are the truly aesthetic ones in a way that WhiteAngloSaxonProtestant Bunny (Episcopalian family) and Richard (no family religious affiliation) never really are.
Deleted line(s) 19,20 (click to see context) :
** Richard [[spoiler:makes out with Francis once, and was on track to go further if they hadn't been interrupted.]]
** Richard is in awe of the whole clique, but Camilla and Henry in particular he describes in the romanticized manner of a crush. When considering the possibility of a tryst between Henry and Bunny, he's offended because he thinks Bunny's not attractive enough -- if Henry ''were'' to get with a guy, it should be a ''different'' guy.
** Richard is in awe of the whole clique, but Camilla and Henry in particular he describes in the romanticized manner of a crush. When considering the possibility of a tryst between Henry and Bunny, he's offended because he thinks Bunny's not attractive enough -- if Henry ''were'' to get with a guy, it should be a ''different'' guy.
** Richard is in awe of the whole clique, but Camilla and Henry in particular he describes in the romanticized manner of a crush. When considering the possibility of a tryst between Henry and Bunny, he's offended because he thinks Bunny's not attractive enough -- if Henry ''were'' to get with a guy, it should be a ''different'' guy.
** Richard [[spoiler:makes out with Francis once, and was on track to go further if they hadn't been interrupted.]]
** Richard [[spoiler:makes out with Francis once, and was on track to go further if they hadn't been interrupted.]]
Changed line(s) 29,30 (click to see context) from:
* FirstPersonPeripheralNarrator / PinballProtagonist: The story is unquestionably about the other students in Professor Julian Morrow's clique, all of whom are far more sinister and have way more secrets, but Richard is our narrator.
* FishOutOfWater / StrangerInAStrangeSchool: He's from a very modest background and tries desperately to fit in with his wealthier peers.
* FishOutOfWater / StrangerInAStrangeSchool: He's from a very modest background and tries desperately to fit in with his wealthier peers.
to:
* FirstPersonPeripheralNarrator / PinballProtagonist: FirstPersonPeripheralNarrator: The story is unquestionably about the other students in Professor Julian Morrow's clique, all of whom are far more sinister and have way more secrets, but Richard is our narrator.
* FishOutOfWater / StrangerInAStrangeSchool: He's from a very modest background and tries desperately to fit in with his wealthier peers.narrator.
* FishOutOfWater / StrangerInAStrangeSchool: He's from a very modest background and tries desperately to fit in with his wealthier peers.
Changed line(s) 37 (click to see context) from:
* PassFail: Of the class variety. His family appear to be lower-middle class, but several of the others in the Greek class come from enough family money that they will never have to work for a living.
to:
* PassFail: Of the class variety. His family appear to be lower-middle class, but several Richard is from a very modest background and. Several of the others in the Greek class come from enough family money that they will never have to work for a living.living. Richard tries desperately to fit in with his wealthier peers. Initially he gets by on lies and thrift-store clothes, but his new friends start picking up the truth after a while. It's never openly discussed in the group, though, becoming an OpenSecret.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
* {{Catchphrase}}: DownplayedTrope, used only occasionally but distinctive: "To my way of thinking."
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 25 (click to see context) from:
* ChickMagnet: Richard attracts attention from Judy, Sophie, a girl (who he sleeps with) that already has a boyfriend, and a few unnamed female characters are implied or directly shown to be attracted to him. Francis also attempts to sleep with him on two separate occasions.
to:
* ChickMagnet: Richard attracts attention from Judy, Sophie, a girl (who he sleeps with) that already has a boyfriend, Mona Beale, and a few unnamed female characters are implied or directly shown to be attracted to him. Francis also attempts to sleep with him on two separate occasions.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 21,22 (click to see context) from:
** {{Gaydar}}: Richard claims he has good gaydar because he's ''so not gay''. [[SarcasmMode Yeah, sure Richard, that's a thing.]]
--->''that sort of tension, which I, being rather more disinclined that way than not, am quick to pick up on.''
--->''that sort of tension, which I, being rather more disinclined that way than not, am quick to pick up on.''
to:
** {{Gaydar}}: Richard claims he has good gaydar {{gaydar}} because he's ''so not gay''. [[SarcasmMode Yeah, sure Richard, that's a thing.]]
--->''that --->''...that sort of tension, which I, being rather more disinclined that way than not, am quick to pick up on.''
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 17,19 (click to see context) from:
* AmbiguouslyBi: His friends who he's kissed are [[spoiler:Camilla and Francis]]. He has SuspiciouslySpecificDenial in constantly reminding the reader HaveIMentionedIAmHeterosexualToday. Richard [[spoiler:makes out with Francis once, and might've gone further if they hadn't been interrupted.]] And the way he describes Henry is clearly a little in love with him -- maybe platonically, or maybe not.
** NotThatTheresAnythingWrongWithThat: The Greeks were gay, and Francis is gay, and this is fine. But Richard is straight, as he never ceases to remind the reader.
--->''While I don't suppose that anyone who has devoted much energy to the study of Classics can be very much disturbed by homosexuality, neither am I particularly comfortable with it as it concerns me directly.''
** NotThatTheresAnythingWrongWithThat: The Greeks were gay, and Francis is gay, and this is fine. But Richard is straight, as he never ceases to remind the reader.
--->''While I don't suppose that anyone who has devoted much energy to the study of Classics can be very much disturbed by homosexuality, neither am I particularly comfortable with it as it concerns me directly.''
to:
* AmbiguouslyBi: His friends who he's kissed are [[spoiler:Camilla and Francis]]. AmbiguouslyBi:
** He hasSuspiciouslySpecificDenial in SuspiciouslySpecificDenial, constantly reminding the reader HaveIMentionedIAmHeterosexualToday. Richard [[spoiler:makes out with Francis once, and might've gone further if they hadn't been interrupted.]] And the way he describes Henry is clearly a little in love with him -- maybe platonically, or maybe not.
** NotThatTheresAnythingWrongWithThat:HaveIMentionedIAmHeterosexualToday NotThatTheresAnythingWrongWithThat! The Greeks were gay, and Francis is gay, and this is fine. But Richard is straight, as he never ceases to remind reminds the reader.
--->''While I don't suppose that anyone who has devoted much energy to the study of Classics can be very much disturbed by homosexuality, neither am I particularly comfortablereader more often than necessary.
** Richard [[spoiler:makes out with Francis once, and was on track to go further if they hadn't been interrupted.]]
** Richard is in awe of the whole clique, but Camilla and Henry in particular he describes in the romanticized manner of a crush. When considering the possibility of a tryst between Henry and Bunny, he's offended because he thinks Bunny's not attractive enough -- if Henry ''were'' to get with a guy, itas it concerns me directly.''should be a ''different'' guy.
** He has
** NotThatTheresAnythingWrongWithThat:
--->''While I don't suppose that anyone who has devoted much energy to the study of Classics can be very much disturbed by homosexuality, neither am I particularly comfortable
** Richard [[spoiler:makes out with Francis once, and was on track to go further if they hadn't been interrupted.]]
** Richard is in awe of the whole clique, but Camilla and Henry in particular he describes in the romanticized manner of a crush. When considering the possibility of a tryst between Henry and Bunny, he's offended because he thinks Bunny's not attractive enough -- if Henry ''were'' to get with a guy, it
Changed line(s) 21 (click to see context) from:
--->''I had lived with Henry for a month, and there hadn't been the faintest hint of that sort of tension, which I, being rather more disinclined that way than not, am quick to pick up on. I had caught a strong breath of it from Francis, a whiff of it at times from Julian; and even Charles, who I knew was interested in women, had a sort of naive, prepubescent shyness of them that a man like my father would have interpreted alarmingly--but with Henry, zero.''
to:
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
* AgeInappropriateDress: Richard describes her dress as "at once girlish and shockingly matronly".
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
* NewTransferStudent: He does two years of community college--one of pre-med, one of English--in Plano before transferring to Hampden. The rest of the clique has been together since freshman year.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 192 (click to see context) from:
* TheSmurfettePrinciple: Richard remarks, "Being the only female in what was basically a boys' club must have been difficult for her." Camilla deals with being the only woman with intelligence and verve, for the most part, but being the object of three men's lust and love takes its toll after a while. Richard emphasizes that despite hanging out with all guys, she is nonetheless femininize. Not feminine is a stylized sort of way -- she's an UnkemptBeauty -- but more of an innate femininity of vibe and gesture.
to:
* TheSmurfettePrinciple: Richard remarks, "Being the only female in what was basically a boys' club must have been difficult for her." Camilla deals with being the only woman with intelligence and verve, for the most part, but being the object of three men's lust and love takes its toll after a while. Richard emphasizes that despite hanging out with all guys, she is nonetheless femininize. Not feminine is a stylized sort of way -- she's an UnkemptBeauty who sometimes wears her brother's clothes -- but more of an innate femininity of vibe and gesture.demeanor.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 192 (click to see context) from:
* TheSmurfettePrinciple: Richard remarks, "Being the only female in what was basically a boys' club must have been difficult for her." Camilla deals with being the only woman with intelligence and verve, for the most part, but being the object of three men's lust and love takes its toll after a while. Richard emphasizes that despite hanging out with all guys, she is nonetheless femininize. Not feminine is a stylized sort of way -- she wears her brother's shirts and has an unkept "bramble rose" thing -- but more of an innate femininity of vibe and gesture.
to:
* TheSmurfettePrinciple: Richard remarks, "Being the only female in what was basically a boys' club must have been difficult for her." Camilla deals with being the only woman with intelligence and verve, for the most part, but being the object of three men's lust and love takes its toll after a while. Richard emphasizes that despite hanging out with all guys, she is nonetheless femininize. Not feminine is a stylized sort of way -- she wears her brother's shirts and has she's an unkept "bramble rose" thing UnkemptBeauty -- but more of an innate femininity of vibe and gesture.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 192 (click to see context) from:
* TheSmurfettePrinciple: Richard remarks, "Being the only female in what was basically a boys' club must have been difficult for her." Camilla deals with being the only woman with intelligence and verve, for the most part, but being the object of three men's lust and love takes its toll after a while.
to:
* TheSmurfettePrinciple: Richard remarks, "Being the only female in what was basically a boys' club must have been difficult for her." Camilla deals with being the only woman with intelligence and verve, for the most part, but being the object of three men's lust and love takes its toll after a while. Richard emphasizes that despite hanging out with all guys, she is nonetheless femininize. Not feminine is a stylized sort of way -- she wears her brother's shirts and has an unkept "bramble rose" thing -- but more of an innate femininity of vibe and gesture.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
* WhiteAngloSaxonProtestant: To the extent that Bunny is aesthetic at all, he's aesthetic in this direction -- all-American boy, frat boy lite. This is in contrast with his brooding, intense, aesthetically-Catholic friends.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 17 (click to see context) from:
* AmbiguouslyBi: In spite of (or [[SuspiciouslySpecificDenial because of]]) his common refrain of HaveIMentionedIAmHeterosexualToday, Richard is not only fascinated to an extent with same sex attraction but also occasionally becomes slightly more intimate than expected with some of his male friends in the classics group.
to:
* AmbiguouslyBi: In spite of (or [[SuspiciouslySpecificDenial because of]]) his common refrain of HaveIMentionedIAmHeterosexualToday, His friends who he's kissed are [[spoiler:Camilla and Francis]]. He has SuspiciouslySpecificDenial in constantly reminding the reader HaveIMentionedIAmHeterosexualToday. Richard is not only fascinated to an extent [[spoiler:makes out with same sex attraction but also occasionally becomes slightly more intimate than expected Francis once, and might've gone further if they hadn't been interrupted.]] And the way he describes Henry is clearly a little in love with some of his male friends in the classics group.him -- maybe platonically, or maybe not.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
* OOCIsSeriousBusiness: While slowing freezing to death over the winter, he finally gets to a point where he's desperate enough that he calls his parents, who he only ever talks about with apathy and dislike.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 242 (click to see context) from:
* FriendshipDenial: Richard frames her as his annoying neighbor, rather than his friend, even though she ''does'' seem to be an at least a casual friend. She gifts him a jacket. He mentions them going into town to do errands together.
to:
* FriendshipDenial: Judy is really nice to Richard -- she gives him a silk jacket, drugs, and a ride to town when he asks. Nonetheless, Richard frames her as his annoying neighbor, neighbor rather than his friend, even though she ''does'' seem to be an at least a casual friend. She gifts him a jacket. He mentions them going into town to do errands together.friend.
