Normal People

Connell, a popular and athletic student at a small Irish school, forms an unexpected connection with Marianne, an intelligent but reclusive and defiant classmate who keeps others at a distance.

Connell and Marianne continue their secret relationship, which culminates in their first sexual encounter. At school, Connell becomes increasingly evasive with his friends regarding his weekend activities and his mother's involvement with Marianne's family. Tensions rise as Rachel, a member of Connell’s friend group, becomes frustrated with his lack of attention.

As the Debs approach, the girls at school organize a fundraising event, and Marianne finds herself helping despite feeling out of her depth. At the club, Connell's friend Karen tries to be kind to Marianne, while Rachel remains distant and unfriendly.

Connell begins his studies at Trinity College in Dublin, sharing a house with his new roommate Niall. Though he tries to fit in, he feels like an outsider among his more confident and affluent classmates, struggling to find his place in the new environment.

Connell tries to fit in with Marianne's social circle, even though he feels like he doesn't belong. He apologizes for how he treated her in the past, which causes Marianne to reconsider her current relationship with Gareth.

Connell and Marianne reunite following their breakup, with Connell adapting well to college life by performing well academically and gaining greater self-confidence. He, however, has difficulty openly acknowledging their relationship, especially in the presence of Marianne's friends. The episode examines whether the two can overcome their insecurities and commit to each other openly.

Marianne and Connell start dating other people, but they eventually realize that their breakup was the result of a misunderstanding.

Connell visits Marianne at her family's summer home in Italy, where her complicated relationship with Jamie reaches a critical point.

While studying abroad, Marianne becomes involved in a relationship that negatively impacts her well-being.

After a tragic incident, Connell struggles with severe depression, and Marianne offers him emotional support even though she is abroad.

Marianne returns to Carricklea for the summer, and she and Connell continue their weekend meetings despite him still living in Dublin. Their relationship becomes more complicated as they discuss their friendship and the growing tension between them.

Marianne and Connell return to Dublin together, experiencing a period of stability and comfort in their relationship. Connell is offered a place to study in New York, which upsets their sense of equilibrium. They decide to delay making any decisions about their future.