30 pages • 1 hour read
The Sense of an Ending
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Character Analysis
Tony Webster
Tony Webster is the narrator and main character in The Sense of an Ending. He is introspective and contemplative, and engages in deep reflections on his past actions and their consequences. Additionally, Tony is reserved and emotionally guarded, as evident in his interactions with others, particularly his ex-girlfriend Veronica and her family. He tends to conceal his true feelings, creating a facade of detachment and indifference to protect himself from vulnerability.
Tony’s quest to understand and reinterpret his memories propels the plot, especially as he tries to obtain Adrian Finn’s diary. This quest changes his character. Although he knows intellectually that memory plays tricks, Tony initially clings to his memories as if they are objective truths. As he delves deeper into his past, his implicit sense of certainty begins to unravel. He is forced to confront The Fallibility of Memory and the subjectivity of his recollections, leading to a shift in his perception of the past and the people who mattered to him most.
Tony realizes that his past actions have had consequences, and recognizes that his actions continue to shape the lives of those around him. Finally he gains a more nuanced understanding of himself and the complexities of human relationships, ultimately leading to personal growth.
Veronica Ford
Tony’s ex-girlfriend, Veronica Ford, exudes mystery and emotional detachment. She presents a challenge to Tony (and to readers) attempting to understand her true feelings and motivations. She is independent and assertive, unafraid to speak her mind or to challenge Tony. She has a strong sense of self and refuses to conform to societal expectations, particularly when it comes to her relationships with men.
As Tony seeks to reconnect with her and understand the significance of Adrian’s diary, Veronica catalyzes Tony’s quest for understanding and closure. She becomes a mirror through which he confronts his younger self.
Adrian Finn
Tony’s school friend, Adrian Finn, is intellectually curious and philosophical, perceptive and sensitive. Despite his intelligence, he struggles with feelings of loneliness and a sense of detachment from others, as seen in his friendship with Tony and his later relationship with Veronica.
Adrian’s role in the narrative is twofold. First, his friendship with Tony becomes proof of the unreliability of memory. Second, his relationship with Veronica continues to shape Tony’s life decades later.
Even after his death, Adrian’s influence on Tony’s perception of the past remains profound. Through a sample of his diary, he changes Tony’s understanding of his own actions and their effect on others, prompting him to reassess his past behavior and grapple with feelings of guilt and remorse.
Although Adrian is a static character who does not change, Tony’s perception of him shifts. Through the lens of Tony’s introspection, Adrian changes from a symbol of intellectual curiosity to an avatar of weakness.
Sarah and Jack Ford
Veronica’s mother and brother, Sarah and Jack Ford, play supporting roles in the narrative. In Chapter 1, they make Tony feel inferior about his social status. In Chapter 2, they become heralds of change.
Mrs. Ford is initially pragmatic and assertive, protective of her family and unafraid to confront Tony about his intentions. Later she becomes an agent of enlightenment when she bequeaths Adrian’s diary to Tony.
Tony initially finds Jack hostile, resentful, and snobby. Jack’s behavior leads Tony to reflect: “In this country shadings of class resist time longer than differentials in age. The Fords had been posher than the Websters back then, and they were jolly well going to stay that way. Or was this mere paranoia on my part?” (73). In fact, it seems to be partly paranoia, because later Jack appears affable and harmless. In that respect, Jack symbolizes both the limits placed on relationships by the British class system and how these limits have faded during Tony’s lifetime.
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By Julian Barnes
