A Monster Calls

Main Characters and Their Development

• Conor O'Malley – the main character, a thirteen-year-old boy facing difficult life challenges. His mother is battling cancer, and Conor experiences deep inner turmoil and fear. Throughout the book, he goes through a process of accepting and understanding his feelings, learning to cope with grief and guilt. Conor also encounters the monster, who helps him make sense of his emotions and accept the truth.
• The Monster – an ancient being who visits Conor every night at 12:07. It takes the form of a yew tree and tells Conor three stories, each with a lesson. The monster helps Conor understand the complexities of life and accept his feelings. It symbolizes Conor's inner struggle and his journey toward accepting the truth.
• Conor's Mother – she is fighting cancer, and her illness is a central theme of the book. Her condition worsens, becoming a source of fear and pain for Conor. Despite her illness, she tries to support her son and remain strong.
• Conor's Grandmother – a strict and organized woman who comes to help care for Conor's mother. She has a complicated relationship with Conor, but as the story progresses, they begin to understand each other better and find common ground.
• Conor's Father – lives in America with his new family and rarely sees Conor. Their relationship is strained, but he tries to support Conor during this difficult time.
• Lily – Conor's friend, who tries to support him even though their relationship becomes tense due to rumors at school. She plays an important role in Conor's life, helping him cope with loneliness and misunderstanding.