Nada by Carmen Laforet: Plot Developments and Character Profiles

Major Plot Developments and Their Significance

1. First Key Event: Andrea's Arrival in Barcelona

   When Andrea arrives in Barcelona and stays at her uncle's house. The act of arriving at the house dramatically changed her perception, sinking her into deep sadness.

2. Second Key Event: Meeting Ena

   When Andrea meets Ena, a beautiful and intelligent girl, at school. Thanks to Ena's friendship, Andrea can escape this stifling atmosphere.

3. Third Key Event: Discovery and Tragedy

   When Andrea discovers the romance between her uncle Juan and her friend Ena, followed by Juan's suicide. Andrea is embarrassed by her family, their economic scarcity, and their gray, oppressive, and sad life. She is unwilling for any of her household's issues to affect her friendships.

4. Fourth Key Event: Ena's Departure

   Finally, Ena moves to Madrid, which prompts Andrea to leave soon after to be with her friend. For Andrea, Ena is the only person who helps her escape that unsettling house.

Key Characters and Their Roles

Here are the main characters of the novel and their significance:

• Andrea (Main Protagonist)

  The main protagonist of this novel. She is the one who performs the action, and through whom the author's perspective is conveyed. She needs someone to understand that she is not comfortable in her grandmother's house.

• Granny (Secondary Character)

  Her role is highlighted by her attempts to defend her children and Andrea from what people say about them. She is an old woman who experiences fits of what might be madness.

• Angustias (Secondary Character)

  Andrea's aunt. She is very impulsive and wants to give advice to her niece. She sees herself as a saint and believes nobody understands her. She eventually goes to a convent.

• Juan and Gloria (Secondary Characters)

  Andrea's uncle and aunt. They share a child and are married, but their relationship is marked by arguments and physical altercations. Gloria believes her siblings have 'upset Juan's coconut' (a colloquialism for driving him mad). They frequently accuse each other. Gloria talks extensively about their problems, while Juan is devoted to painting, though some characters find his paintings to be of poor quality, despite his own belief to the contrary.

• Román (Secondary Character)

  Andrea's other uncle. He is a musician who enjoys playing and writing songs for the piano. He attempts to be Gloria's lover and is a womanizer. (It can be inferred that he felt a passion for both Andrea and Ena.) He ultimately commits suicide, ending his life tragically.

• Ena (Secondary Character)

  Andrea's best friend. She provides support and often meets with her boyfriend, Jaime.

• Pons, Iturdiaga, and Guixols (Tertiary Characters)

  Friends Andrea meets when her friendship with Ena is in crisis. They gather at Andrea's home, spending time together. Pons is implied to have feelings for Andrea.