In modern, rural Ireland, Connell and Marianne, on different ends of their school’s social scene, begin an intense, secret affair.
Marianne and Connell’s affair continues, but the pressures of the outside world start to take their toll.
Connell betrays Marianne by making a cowardly choice. Marianne withdraws from school, causing Connell intense guilt.
Connell finds college lonely; Marianne finds instant popularity. After running into each other, they decide to try to be friends.
Connell joins Marianne’s social circle but doesn’t fit in. He apologises for how he treated her; she reconsiders her relationship with her new boyfriend, Gareth.
Connell and Marianne are together, but when he loses his job and she has an upsetting trip home, they withdraw from each other.
After a tragic event, Connell struggles with severe depression. Marianne remains a lifeline for him from abroad.
Marianne is asked to help the other girls organise the Debs, and her relationship with Connell causes friction between Connell and his mother.