Marianne pursues an unhealthy relationship while studying abroad. Back in Dublin, Connell enjoys an uncomplicated relationship with Helen.
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.
Marianne and Connell are seeing other people and realise (too late) that their break-up was due to a misunderstanding.
Connell visits Marianne at her family’s summer home in Italy, where tensions between her and Jamie reach a new high.
After a tragic event, Connell struggles with severe depression. Marianne remains a lifeline for him from abroad.
In Sligo, Marianne and Connell try to navigate friendship. A fight between Marianne and Alan causes a rift with her family.
In their final year in Trinity, Marianne and Connell are back together, but whether their relationship will endure after they graduate is uncertain.
Marianne is asked to help the other girls organise the Debs, and her relationship with Connell causes friction between Connell and his mother.
Connell joins Marianne’s social circle at university but doesn’t fit in.