Estimated read time: 5 min read
Table of Contents
List of Characters
| Character Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Oliver Tate | Protagonist |
| Jordana Bevan | Love Interest |
| Lloyd Tate | Oliver's Father |
| Jill Tate | Oliver's Mother |
| Zoe Tate | Oliver's Sister |
| Graham Purvis | School Bully |
| Mr. Pritchard | School Teacher |
| Mr. Davey | Neighbor |
| Kim-Lin | Classmate |
Role Identification
Oliver Tate is the protagonist and narrator of the novel "Submarine" by Joe Dunthorne. He is a teenager struggling to navigate the complexities of adolescence, relationships, and family dynamics.
Character Descriptions
Oliver Tate is a socially awkward and introspective 15-year-old boy. He is described as having unkempt hair, wearing oversized glasses, and possessing a slight paunch. Jordana Bevan, Oliver's love interest, is a rebellious and enigmatic girl with short, dyed hair and a penchant for smoking cigarettes. Lloyd Tate, Oliver's father, is a depressive ex-hippie who works as a marine biologist. Jill Tate, Oliver's mother, is a bored housewife who seeks excitement through an extramarital affair. Zoe Tate, Oliver's younger sister, is a precocious and imaginative child who often serves as Oliver's confidante.
Character Traits
Oliver is highly intelligent and self-aware, often analyzing his own thoughts and actions in great detail. He possesses a dry sense of humor and uses it as a defense mechanism to mask his insecurities. Oliver is socially awkward and struggles to connect with his peers, leading to feelings of isolation. He is also deeply curious and observant, constantly analyzing the world around him.
Jordana is rebellious and adventurous, often pushing boundaries and challenging societal norms. She is confident and assertive, unafraid to speak her mind. Despite her tough exterior, Jordana also has a vulnerable side, which she reveals to Oliver.
Lloyd is a complex character, torn between his responsibilities as a husband and father and his desire for personal fulfillment. He is prone to bouts of depression and often withdraws from his family. Jill, on the other hand, is searching for excitement and passion outside of her marriage. She is discontented with her suburban life and seeks validation through her affair.
Character Background
Oliver Tate grew up in a middle-class suburb in Wales. He is the product of a somewhat dysfunctional family, with parents who are struggling with their own personal issues. Oliver's fascination with the world of adults and relationships is fueled by his parents' troubled marriage.
Jordana Bevan is a classmate of Oliver's who captures his attention with her rebellious nature and unique style. She becomes the object of Oliver's infatuation, leading him to explore his own feelings and desires.
Lloyd Tate's career as a marine biologist has stagnated, leaving him dissatisfied and disconnected from his family. Jill Tate, feeling unfulfilled in her role as a wife and mother, seeks excitement outside of her marriage. These dynamics create a tense and strained atmosphere within the Tate household.
Character Arcs
Throughout the novel, Oliver undergoes significant personal growth and development. Initially focused on his own self-interests, he begins to recognize the impact his actions have on others. Oliver's infatuation with Jordana leads him to confront his own insecurities and learn the importance of empathy and understanding.
Jordana also experiences growth and change throughout the story. Initially guarded and emotionally distant, she begins to open up to Oliver and allows herself to be vulnerable. Her relationship with Oliver helps her confront her own fears and insecurities.
Lloyd and Jill Tate's marriage undergoes a transformation as they each grapple with their own desires and the consequences of their actions. Their individual character arcs contribute to the overall narrative of the novel.
Relationships
Oliver and Jordana's relationship serves as the central focus of the novel. Their unconventional bond challenges societal norms and explores themes of love, vulnerability, and the complexities of teenage relationships.
Oliver's relationship with his parents, Lloyd and Jill, is strained and filled with tension. Their actions and choices impact Oliver's own understanding of love and relationships, and he grapples with the consequences of their behavior.
Oliver's relationship with his sister, Zoe, provides a source of comfort and support. They share a close bond and often confide in each other, offering insight and perspective on various situations.
The relationship between Oliver and Graham Purvis, the school bully, is marked by conflict and power struggles. Oliver's interactions with Graham highlight the complexities of teenage friendships and the need to assert oneself in the face of adversity.
In conclusion, "Submarine" by Joe Dunthorne explores the coming-of-age journey of Oliver Tate as he navigates the challenges of adolescence, relationships, and family dynamics. The characters in the novel undergo personal growth and transformation, with their interactions and relationships shaping their individual character arcs. Through Oliver's introspective narration, the reader gains insight into the complexities of teenage emotions and the universal search for identity and connection.
