The Cement Garden

Main Characters and Their Development

• Jack - the main character and narrator, a teenager trying to cope with the loss of his parents and take responsibility for his younger siblings. His development is tied to the struggle to keep the family together and attempts to understand his identity.
• Julie - Jack's older sister, who assumes the role of mother after their parents' death. She becomes more mature and responsible but also faces internal conflicts and complexities in her relationship with her brother.
• Sue - the younger sister, who tries to find her place in the changed family. Her development involves seeking support and understanding among her older siblings.
• Tom - the youngest brother, who is the most vulnerable and dependent on the older ones. His development involves adapting to new conditions and trying to maintain childhood innocence in a difficult situation.