The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole: Plot Summary and Character Analysis

Plot Summary: Adrian Mole's Teenage Life

Adrian Mole lives with his parents and a dog, struggling with severe acne (spots). Initially, they appear to be a normal family, but problems soon arise. Adrian's attitude towards life is often highly dramatic.

A major source of drama involves his love interest, Pandora. Adrian is deeply in love with her, but his friend Nigel starts dating her first. Meanwhile, Adrian's mother, Pauline, has an affair with their neighbor, Mr. Lucas. Adrian's parents eventually divorce, and Pauline moves to Sheffield with Mr. Lucas. Adrian stays with his father.

Adrian regularly visits Bert Baxter, an elderly man he cares for. Bert later moves to an old people's home, where he meets Queenie. Adrian eventually manages to date Pandora, though he remains preoccupied with his skin problems. Later, Adrian's parents reconcile and live together again, but Adrian and Pandora's relationship cools off.

Critical Opinion

In my opinion, the narrative is very boring and a little bit childish.

Adrian and Pandora's Relationship Timeline

• Adrian first meets Pandora when they sit together in Geography class.
• Pandora initially dates Nigel, Adrian's friend, but they eventually break up.
• Adrian and Pandora begin dating when they visit Bert Baxter in the hospital.
• They separate during the summer break.
• Elizabeth develops feelings for Adrian, leading Pandora to hit her.
• Pandora becomes upset with Adrian due to an incident involving Barbara.

Key Characters and Descriptions

Adrian Mole

A self-conscious teenager, highly preoccupied with his acne (spots) and the ongoing drama of his family life.

Adrian's Father (George Mole)

Lacks authority at home. He loses his job and physically assaults Mr. Lucas after discovering the affair. Adrian stays with him after the divorce.

Adrian's Mother (Pauline Mole)

Engages in an affair with the neighbor, Mr. Lucas. She divorces Adrian's father but eventually moves back in with him.

Barry Kent

The school bully who steals Adrian's money. The situation is resolved when Adrian's grandmother intervenes, speaking to Barry's father, who forces Barry to return the money.

Mr. Lucas

The neighbor who has a secret relationship with Adrian's mother, Pauline. He is physically assaulted by Pauline's husband.

Pandora Braithwaite

Adrian's primary love interest. She initially dates Nigel but eventually starts a relationship with Adrian.

Nigel

Adrian's friend who dates Pandora briefly. He later spreads rumors about Barbara throughout the school.

Bert Baxter

An elderly man Adrian cares for as part of a social service program. He is later moved to an old people's home where he meets Queenie, whom he marries.

Key Events and Incidents

Adrian's Birthday Gifts (April 2nd)

• Mother: $10
• Mr. Lucas: $5, a tracksuit, and a football
• Nigel: One funny card
• Bert Baxter: A book token for ten shillings (and later, for his 15th birthday, a model airplane)
• Pandora: A deodorant

Health and Hospital Visits

Why Adrian Went to the Hospital

Adrian was hospitalized due to tonsillitis.

Why Adrian Refused Surgery

He refused the operation because his grandmother warned him that he could potentially "bleed to death."

School Problems and Resolution

Theft Incident

The main problem Adrian faced at school was when Barry Kent stole his money.

Resolution

Adrian's grandmother intervened by speaking directly to Barry Kent's father, resulting in the return of Adrian's money.

The End of Pauline's Affair

Why Pauline Left Mr. Lucas

Pauline ended her relationship with Mr. Lucas because she felt she was being treated merely as an object.

An Embarrassing Situation

An embarrassing incident occurred when Adrian was building his model airplane: he accidentally sniffed too much glue and had to be rushed to the hospital.