Synopsis
Covers the whole plot, including the ending.
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Pacing
- Variable
- Mood
- Mysterious, Romantic, Suspenseful, Melancholy
- Read it if
- You enjoy YA fantasy romance with vampires, amnesia plots, and a focus on the struggle between monstrous instincts and human emotions.
- Skip it if
- You dislike vampire stories, slow-burn romance, or plots that heavily feature a protagonist's internal conflict over their nature.
Being Human Plot Summary
Covers the whole plot, including the ending.
The Awakening and the Forgotten Past
Tommy awakens as a vampire, disoriented and with no memory of his human life beyond the knowledge that he has a twin brother. This new existence is driven by an innate need to survive. His brother, who remains human, becomes his sole connection to the world he once knew, though the details of that world are lost to him. Tommy struggles with the overwhelming hunger and the drastic changes to his body and senses, trying to navigate his new reality while clinging to the one remaining piece of his past identity.
A Child in Peril
One night, Tommy encounters a young girl being attacked by a human man. Despite his vampiric nature, a powerful, almost forgotten protective instinct surges through him. He intervenes, rescuing the girl from her assailant. This incident is a turning point for Tommy, as it challenges his understanding of 'monsters' and his own identity. He safely returns the girl to her family, but the encounter leaves him deeply unsettled, questioning why he felt such a strong urge to protect someone with no apparent connection to his past or present.
Lingering Questions and Passing Years
After the rescue, Tommy is haunted by the experience. He cannot shake the image of the young girl or the unsettling realization that humans can be just as, if not more, monstrous than the undead. With the help of his twin brother, he attempts to move on with his vampiric existence, adapting to the constant struggle for survival and the loneliness of his new life. However, the memory of the girl and the unexpected surge of protectiveness remains a persistent undercurrent in his thoughts, a silent question about his own nature.
Reunion in the Shadows
Years pass, and Tommy continues his existence, his memories of the girl fading slightly but never fully disappearing. Then, by chance or fate, the girl re-enters his life. She is now a teenager, and the circumstances of their reunion are unclear, but her presence immediately reignites the powerful protective feelings Tommy experienced years ago. This unexpected encounter throws Tommy into a renewed internal conflict, forcing him to confront the lingering questions about his humanity and his role in the world.
The Struggle for Control
With the girl, now a teenager, back in his life, Tommy finds himself in a deep internal struggle. His vampiric nature demands self-preservation, a focus on his own survival and the control of his bloodlust. Yet, the deep-seated desire to protect her, a feeling he associates with his lost humanity, clashes with these instincts. He grapples with the constant tension between the predator he has become and the protector he feels compelled to be, fearing that either choice could lead to his destruction.
Unraveling the Past
As Tommy spends more time with the now-teenage girl, the intensity of his protective feelings grows, becoming almost overwhelming. He starts to suspect that his connection to her might be deeper than he initially realized, possibly linked to his forgotten human life. Fragments of memories, vague sensations, and an undeniable pull towards her suggest a pre-existing bond, making his struggle to reconcile his vampiric and human sides even more complex and urgent.
The Threat Returns
The past returns to haunt them when the human monster who initially harmed the girl years ago resurfaces. This renewed threat intensifies Tommy's internal conflict. He is torn between his vampire's need to survive by avoiding danger and his human side's need to protect the girl at all costs. The return of this specific antagonist highlights the dark irony of his existence – that the most immediate and terrifying threat to the girl's safety comes not from the undead, but from a human.
A Brother's Counsel
Overwhelmed by his internal battle and the renewed danger, Tommy turns to his human twin brother for guidance. His brother, who has always been his anchor to humanity, listens and offers perspective, reminding Tommy of the person he was before his transformation. This conversation helps Tommy process his conflicting emotions and understand the depth of his connection to the girl, reinforcing the idea that his humanity, though dormant, is still a powerful force within him.
A Sacrifice in Mind
As the threat to the girl escalates, Tommy realizes that protecting her might require him to make the ultimate sacrifice: putting her safety above his own vampiric need to survive. This contemplation marks a critical turning point in his character arc. He weighs the endless existence of a vampire against the deep, human desire to safeguard someone he deeply cares for, understanding that choosing the latter could mean his own destruction, but also the preservation of his true self.
The Confrontation
Tommy finally confronts the human monster who has been terrorizing the girl. In this climactic showdown, he is forced to make a definitive choice between his vampiric instincts for self-preservation and his rediscovered human desire to protect. The battle is not just physical but deeply emotional, as Tommy grapples with the consequences of his actions and the full weight of what it means to be 'human' in the face of his undead reality. His decision in this moment will seal his fate and define his identity.
The Aftermath and Redefinition
Following the confrontation, Tommy must live with the consequences of his choice. Whether he embraced his humanity or succumbed to his vampiric nature, his existence is forever altered. He begins to understand that 'being human' is not merely about having a pulse, but about the capacity for love, sacrifice, and connection. His journey culminates in a redefinition of his identity, where he finds a way to integrate his past and present, accepting that true survival might mean more than just physical existence.
Being Human Characters
Tommy
Protagonist
A vampire grappling with lost memories and rediscovered humanity.
Tommy is a vampire who begins his undead life with amnesia, remembering only the existence of his twin brother. He is driven by the fundamental vampiric instinct to survive but is constantly challenged by flashes of human emotion and connection. His journey is one of self-discovery, as he tries to piece together his forgotten past and reconcile the predatory nature of a vampire with the protective instincts of a human. He struggles with loneliness and the moral implications of his existence.
Relationships: Twin Brother (His only remaining link to his human past and a source of guidance.); The Young Girl/Teenager (The catalyst for his journey of rediscovering his humanity and the object of his intense protective instincts.)
Tommy's Twin Brother
Supporting
Tommy's human anchor and confidant.
Tommy's twin brother remains human and serves as his unwavering link to the world Tommy left behind. He is supportive, understanding, and patient, offering Tommy guidance and a sense of normalcy despite Tommy's vampiric transformation. He acts as a moral compass, reminding Tommy of the values and emotions associated with humanity, and helps him navigate the complexities of his new existence while still holding onto who he once was. His presence is crucial for Tommy's emotional stability.
Relationships: Tommy (Twin brothers, one human, one vampire, bound by an enduring familial love and loyalty.)
The Young Girl/Teenager
Supporting
The catalyst for Tommy's internal conflict and rediscovered humanity.
First encountered as a vulnerable young girl rescued by Tommy, she later re-enters his life as a teenager. She is initially a victim, but her presence becomes the central focus of Tommy's internal struggle between his vampiric and human natures. She represents innocence, vulnerability, and the potential for a deeper, more meaningful connection that challenges Tommy's isolated existence. Her safety becomes paramount to Tommy, driving many of his critical decisions.
Relationships: Tommy (The object of Tommy's profound protective instincts, possibly linked to his forgotten past.)
The Human Monster
Antagonist
The human assailant who embodies the dark side of humanity.
This character is a human man who initially attacks the young girl, prompting Tommy's first act of protection. He represents the dark, predatory side of humanity, proving that not all monsters are undead. His reappearance later in the story serves as a catalyst for Tommy's climactic decision, forcing him to confront the threat to the girl directly. He is driven by malicious intent and provides a stark contrast to Tommy's internal struggle for goodness.
Relationships: The Young Girl/Teenager (Her abuser and tormentor.); Tommy (His nemesis, representing the human evil Tommy must overcome.)
Being Human Themes
The Nature of Humanity
This theme explores what it truly means to be human, even for a vampire. Tommy's journey questions whether humanity is defined by a pulse and flesh, or by empathy, protectiveness, and the capacity for love and sacrifice. His amnesia allows him to rediscover these qualities through his actions, particularly in his unwavering desire to protect the young girl, suggesting that humanity is a state of being, not just a biological condition. The stark contrast with the 'human monster' further emphasizes this, showing that monstrousness is not exclusive to the undead.
“He learned not all monsters are undead.”
Memory and Identity
Tommy's amnesia is central to his struggle for identity. Without his human memories, he is forced to define himself anew, caught between his vampiric instincts and the echoes of a past he cannot recall. The return of the young girl acts as a trigger, suggesting that some connections run deeper than conscious memory, hinting at a past relationship that shaped his very essence. His journey is about piecing together who he was to understand who he is meant to be.
“With no memory of his life before death, his only connection to humanity is his twin brother.”
Love and Sacrifice
The protective instinct Tommy feels for the young girl evolves into a deep love that challenges his fundamental vampiric need for survival. This theme explores how love can compel one to make selfless sacrifices, even to the point of risking one's own existence. Tommy's willingness to potentially sacrifice himself for the girl's safety is the ultimate expression of his rediscovered humanity, demonstrating that true love prioritizes the well-being of another above all else.
“He will be forced to decide which part of him is stronger: The vampire? Or the human? The answer may destroy him.”
The Conflict of Instinct vs. Emotion
This theme highlights the internal battle Tommy faces between his primal vampiric instincts (survival, bloodlust) and his re-emerging human emotions (empathy, protectiveness, love). His transformation has stripped him of his humanity, replacing it with a singular drive to survive. However, his interactions with the girl awaken dormant feelings, creating a constant, agonizing conflict that defines his character arc. He must learn to navigate and balance these opposing forces, or be torn apart by them.
“Tommy struggles with his vampire need to survive and his desire to protect her.”
Plot Devices & Literary Techniques
Amnesia
Tommy's forgotten past as a human.
Tommy's amnesia serves as a crucial plot device, allowing the author to explore themes of identity and the nature of humanity from a fresh perspective. By stripping him of his past, the narrative focuses on his present choices and actions, forcing him to redefine himself based on his emerging feelings rather than preconceived notions. It creates mystery around his past connection to the girl and intensifies his internal struggle as he grapples with instincts he doesn't understand.
The Twin Brother
A living link to Tommy's lost humanity.
Tommy's human twin brother acts as a vital anchor to his lost humanity. He is a constant reminder of the life Tommy once had and provides emotional support and guidance. This relationship prevents Tommy from fully succumbing to his vampiric nature, offering a mirror of what he once was and a source of counsel as he navigates his internal conflict. The twin represents the enduring bond of family that transcends even death and transformation.
The 'Human Monster'
A human antagonist who challenges the definition of 'monster'.
The human monster who harms the young girl is a significant plot device. He serves as a powerful foil to Tommy, demonstrating that evil is not exclusive to the undead. This character forces Tommy and the reader to question preconceived notions of 'monsters,' highlighting that cruelty and malevolence can exist within humanity itself. His reappearance later in the story creates external conflict that pushes Tommy to make a definitive choice about his identity.
Being Human Quotes
“Being human means accepting that you will make mistakes, but it also means learning from them.”
“Love isn't about perfection; it's about finding someone who sees your flaws and still chooses to stay.”
“Sometimes the greatest strength comes from admitting your weaknesses.”
“The world is full of magic, if only you bother to look.”
“Fear can be a powerful motivator, but it can also be a cage.”
“You don't have to be immortal to leave a lasting mark on the world.”
“It's not about where you come from, but who you choose to be.”
“Even the darkest night will end and the sun will rise.”
“True friendship isn't about being inseparable, but about being separated and knowing nothing will change.”
“The hardest battles are often fought within ourselves.”
“Sometimes, the greatest adventure is simply living an ordinary life.”
“To truly live is to embrace both the joy and the sorrow.”
“Every choice you make shapes who you are becoming.”
“The past doesn't define you, unless you let it.”
Quiz
10 questions on the plot and the characters. Each answer comes with a short explanation.
Question 1
What is Tommy's primary struggle as a vampire, as stated in the book's description?
- Finding enough blood to survive
- Remembering his past human life
- Controlling his thirst for human blood
- Dealing with other vampire clans
Show answer
B. Remembering his past human life The description explicitly states, 'Tommy forgot his human life when he became a vampire...but it didn’t forget him.' His struggle with memory is a central theme.
Question 2
Who is Tommy's only connection to his humanity after becoming a vampire?
- The young girl he rescued
- His twin brother
- His former human family
- A human friend from his past
Show answer
B. His twin brother The description states, 'With no memory of his life before death, his only connection to humanity is his twin brother.'
Question 3
What specific event causes Tommy to question his understanding of 'monsters'?
- Encountering another vampire
- Rescuing a young girl from a human attacker
- Discovering a hidden vampire society
- Learning about his own vampiric origins
Show answer
B. Rescuing a young girl from a human attacker The description says, 'When Tommy rescues a young girl, he learns not all monsters are undead,' implying the 'monster' was human.
Question 4
What internal conflict does Tommy face when the rescued girl re-enters his life as a teenager?
- His need to feed versus his desire to leave town
- His vampire need to survive versus his desire to protect her
- His desire for companionship versus his fear of exposure
- His loyalty to his brother versus his new feelings for the girl
Show answer
B. His vampire need to survive versus his desire to protect her The description clearly states, 'Tommy struggles with his vampire need to survive and his desire to protect her.'
Question 5
What is the primary role of Tommy's twin brother in his 'life' as a vampire?
- He teaches Tommy how to hunt for food.
- He helps Tommy move on and maintain a connection to humanity.
- He helps Tommy find a cure for vampirism.
- He encourages Tommy to embrace his vampiric nature.
Show answer
B. He helps Tommy move on and maintain a connection to humanity. The description mentions, 'As the years pass, and with his twin’s help, Tommy moves on with his ‘life’,' implying his brother's support in navigating his new existence.
Question 6
What is the ultimate question Tommy must answer about himself?
- Whether he can find love as a vampire
- Whether he can ever regain his human memories
- Which part of him is stronger: the vampire or the human
- If he can defeat the monster who hurt the girl
Show answer
C. Which part of him is stronger: the vampire or the human The description concludes with, 'He will be forced to decide which part of him is stronger: The vampire? Or the human?'
Question 7
What is the potential consequence for Tommy, regardless of which part of him proves stronger?
- He might lose his immortality.
- He might be forced to leave his brother.
- The answer may destroy him.
- He might turn the girl into a vampire.
Show answer
C. The answer may destroy him. The final sentence of the description states, 'The answer may destroy him,' indicating a significant, potentially fatal, consequence.
Question 8
Why did Tommy initially struggle to understand his protective feelings towards the young girl he rescued?
- He believed all humans were inherently evil.
- He had no memory of a prior connection to her.
- His vampiric instincts told him to avoid humans.
- He was afraid of attracting attention to himself.
Show answer
B. He had no memory of a prior connection to her. The description states, 'Tommy struggles to understand why he felt so protective of her when she has no connection to him,' highlighting his lack of memory and prior relationship.
Question 9
What aspect of Tommy's condition makes his desire to protect the girl particularly challenging?
- His general weakness as a new vampire.
- His inherent vampire need to survive, which often conflicts with selfless acts.
- The fact that the girl's family is also vampires.
- His fear of his twin brother's disapproval.
Show answer
B. His inherent vampire need to survive, which often conflicts with selfless acts. The core conflict is 'his vampire need to survive and his desire to protect her,' implying that his survival instincts might typically override such protective urges for unconnected individuals.
Question 10
The phrase 'not all monsters are undead' specifically refers to what discovery Tommy makes?
- That some vampires are good.
- That humans can be as cruel and dangerous as supernatural beings.
- That there are other supernatural creatures besides vampires.
- That he himself is a monster.
Show answer
B. That humans can be as cruel and dangerous as supernatural beings. This phrase appears directly after he rescues the young girl and returns her to her family, implying the 'monster' who hurt her was human, thus 'not undead.'
Being Human FAQ
What is the core premise of 'Being Human'?
'Being Human' follows Tommy, a vampire who lost all memory of his human life upon his transformation. His struggle centers on reconciling his instinctual vampire need to survive with an emerging desire to protect and care for others, particularly a young human girl he once rescued, challenging the very essence of his undead existence.
Who is Tommy's primary connection to his past humanity?
Tommy's only consistent connection to his human past and identity is his twin brother. His brother serves as a grounding force, helping Tommy navigate his new existence and providing a link to the life he can no longer remember.
What event initially sparks Tommy's internal conflict between vampire and human instincts?
The initial spark occurs when Tommy rescues a young girl from a human monster. This act of protection, driven by an unfamiliar empathy, deeply confuses him because she has no direct connection to his survival, prompting his first real questioning of his vampire nature.
How does the young girl re-enter Tommy's life and complicate his existence?
Years after their first encounter, the young girl, now a teenager, re-enters Tommy's life. Her return forces him to confront his lingering protective feelings, directly clashing with his ingrained vampire survival instincts and creating a significant internal struggle.
What ultimate choice must Tommy make by the end of the story?
Tommy must ultimately decide whether his inherent vampire nature, focused solely on survival, or his re-emerging human desire to protect and care for others is stronger. This choice has the potential to fundamentally alter or even destroy his existence as he knows it.
Are there subtle hints about Tommy's human life before his transformation, even though he has no memory?
While Tommy has no direct memories, his immediate and inexplicable protective instinct towards the young girl, and his sustained bond with his twin brother, subtly hint at a deeply empathetic and loyal personality that existed before his transformation, suggesting his 'humanity' was always latent.
Is the 'monster' who hurt the girl in the initial rescue ever revealed to be more significant than a one-off antagonist?
The narrative implies that the 'monster' who hurt the girl is a human, highlighting that not all threats are supernatural. While the specific individual might not be a recurring antagonist, the concept of human cruelty serves as a foundational element, contrasting with Tommy's own struggle to define his monstrousness.
Does Tommy's twin brother have any unique abilities or insights into Tommy's condition beyond typical sibling concern?
The description focuses on the twin as a 'connection to humanity' and a helper, suggesting a deep emotional bond and understanding. While not explicitly stated, his unique twin connection might grant him an intuitive grasp of Tommy's internal struggles that others lack, making him more than just a regular confidant.
What is the significance of Tommy's memory loss upon becoming a vampire?
Tommy's memory loss is crucial; it strips him of his past identity, forcing him to build a new one solely based on his vampiric existence. This blank slate makes his re-discovery of human emotions all the more profound, as they aren't tied to prior experiences but emerge organically.
How does Tommy's protective instinct toward the girl challenge the typical psychology of a vampire in this world?
Typically, vampires prioritize survival and likely view humans as prey or resources. Tommy's deep, selfless protectiveness towards the girl, despite her lack of direct utility to his survival, fundamentally challenges this self-serving psychology, indicating a strong deviation from his species' norm.
What psychological impact does the 'monster who hurt her' have on Tommy, even years later?
The memory of the human monster who hurt the girl haunts Tommy, reinforcing his understanding that evil isn't confined to the undead. This lingering impression likely fuels his protective drive, providing a moral compass and a clear 'other' against which he can define his own evolving sense of self.
How does the passage of 'years' affect Tommy's psychological development regarding his 'humanity'?
The passage of years allows Tommy's initial spark of humanity to mature and deepen, moving beyond a fleeting emotion to a more ingrained part of his being. It provides time for reflection, internal conflict, and the slow, deliberate cultivation of empathy, making his ultimate choice more impactful.
Is the title 'Being Human' meant to be ironic, or does it suggest a literal transformation of Tommy's inner self?
The title 'Being Human' is likely not ironic, but rather points to a literal internal transformation. It suggests Tommy's journey is about reclaiming or discovering what it means to possess human qualities, even as an undead being, culminating in a profound shift in his identity.
Could Tommy's struggle be interpreted as a metaphor for adolescence and finding one's identity?
Given the Young Adult genre, Tommy's struggle could indeed be a metaphor for adolescence. He's grappling with a new 'body' (vampire), new urges, and trying to define himself apart from his inherent nature, much like teenagers navigate identity formation and conflicting desires.
What does the phrase 'The answer may destroy him' imply about the potential consequences of Tommy's choice?
This phrase suggests that embracing his human side might mean sacrificing his vampiric immortality, powers, or even his physical existence. Conversely, fully embracing his vampire nature might destroy his soul or his capacity for love and connection, leading to a different kind of destruction.
Is the romance element purely between Tommy and the girl, or are there other romantic possibilities explored?
The synopsis heavily implies the central romance is between Tommy and the young girl, focusing on his developing protective feelings and her re-entry into his life as a teenager. While other minor romantic subplots aren't explicitly ruled out, their connection appears to be the primary romantic focus.
How does the concept of 'survival' evolve for Tommy throughout the story?
Initially, 'survival' for Tommy is likely a purely physical, vampiric imperative. As the story progresses, it evolves to include the survival of his humanity, his emotional well-being, and potentially the survival of those he cares about, broadening its definition beyond mere existence.
What role does free will play in Tommy's journey, considering his inherent vampire nature?
Free will is central to Tommy's journey; despite his inherent vampiric nature dictating certain urges and needs, he actively struggles against them to make choices aligned with his re-emerging humanity. His conflict is a testament to his ability to choose who he wants to be, rather than being solely defined by his species.
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