Connell Waldron

Connell Waldron is a protagonist in Normal People.

Biography
Connell was born to a teen mother, Lorraine Waldron. Not much is known about Connell's father, but it can be assumed he's largely been out of the picture for most if not all of Connell's life. Connell is an english literary student and enjoys writing short stories.

Character
Despite his popularity and comfort in his social circle at school as one of the football jocks, Marianne notes that Connell is actually quite shy. In the book he is diagnosed with depression after his friend from high school, Rob, commits suicide. Shortly after his funeral, Helen, his second longtime girlfriend, breaks up with him.

Marianne Sheridan
Marianne and Connell got to know each other through Lorraine working at the Sheridans' house. They are explained as having a relationship that goes beyond high school in the book. They become friends with benefits in the book. However, Marianne soon develops feelings for Connell. They soon broke up at the end of the school year. After a tumultuous few years for the two of them, the last episode sees Connell and Marianne living happily together at Trinity College, Dublin.

Rachel Moran
Rachel is a fellow schoolmate of Marianne and Connell's and part of Connell's social circle. She and Connell once had a casual fling, making her occasionally jealous of Marianne. Connell asks her to the Debs formal instead of Marianne, resulting in them becoming estranged for the first time.

Helen Brophy
Helen was Connell's girlfriend at Trinity College who nurses him back to health after he got depressed.