You Are Here

Forty-two-year-old Michael is the novel’s male protagonist and Marnie’s romantic interest. An emotionally fragile character, he thematically illustrates The Pain of Loneliness and the Need for Human Connection. At the beginning of the novel, Michael is lonely but in denial about his need for meaningful social interaction. A vicious assault by a group of teenage boys undermined his trust in other people. While he hides the physical scar on his chin by growing a beard, he remains psychologically damaged by the incident. Exacerbating this sense of vulnerability is the recent departure of his wife, Natasha. Michael’s definition of himself as separated from Natasha rather than in the early stages of divorce reveals his reluctance to accept change. Clinging to the possibility of a reconciliation, he remains stuck in the past.

The novel plays on the preconception of geography teachers as “dull” in its characterization of Michael. Marnie initially barely notices him, dismissing him as unremarkable-looking while noting his obsession with geology. She irreverently thinks of Michael as “Gravel Boy,” observing how he chooses a pebble at the beginning of the route and places a stone on top of a cairn. However, Michael’s interest in ancient rock formations and geological features stems from respect and awe of the natural world. Marnie is forced to reassess her view of Michael when he reveals that his actions at the cairn are driven by a desire to preserve the historical landscape.

Physical descriptions of Michael emphasize his lack of concern with outward appearances. Marnie observes that his “blue fisherman’s jumper, beard and scruffy hair […] might all have been home-knitted” (40). His lack of pretension is likewise evident in his minimal packing, and his single evening shirt becomes an ongoing joke. Just as Marnie resembles a contemporary Elizabeth Bennet, Michael is reminiscent of Mr. Darcy in Pride and Prejudice. Initially appearing dull and overly serious, he emerges as principled and trustworthy. Marnie’s increasing appreciation of these attributes is apparent in her realization that “when he smiled […], there was something reassuring about it, dependable, a sense of being in good hands” (68).

Like Marnie, Michael is a dynamic character and demonstrates The Transformative Power of Travel and Nature. Doing the Coast to Coast Walk with Marnie reminds him of the enriching nature of companionship and love.

A supporting character, Cleo plays a vital role in the romance between Marnie and Michael. As a mutual friend of both protagonists, she recognizes their loneliness and need for human contact. She arranges the walking trip as both a curative measure and a matchmaking exercise, hoping to see her friends embark on new romantic relationships. Marnie and Michael are fond of Cleo, but her success in both her professional and personal life occasionally makes them feel inadequate. The Deputy Head of the school where Michael teaches, she’s also happily married and has a teenage son, Anthony.

Cleo’s sound character judgment is apparent in her instant dislike of Marnie’s former husband, Neil, upon first meeting him. She perceives him as domineering and the relationship as unhealthy for Marnie’s well-being. However, when matchmaking, she anticipates that Conrad is best suited to Marnie and Tessa to Michael. Her mistake demonstrates the indefinable chemistry of romantic love.

A pharmacist from London, Conrad serves as a false love interest in You Are Here. Marnie’s initial attraction to him is evident in her assessment of Conrad as “perhaps the most handsome man she’d ever seen” (39). His character presents an initial obstacle to the novel’s central romance as Marnie flirts with him, overlooking Michael.

The novel establishes Conrad as Michael’s foil. Marnie notes that while Michael’s face is well-weathered, Conrad’s skin has “a smoothness untouched by time and life, as if he were his own action figure” (49). The figurative comparison of Conrad to a poseable figurine underscores his character’s superficial attractiveness and lack of emotional depth. Conrad’s materialism is apparent in his large, expensive watch and eagerness to reveal that he lives in the desirable London area of Barons Court. His humorless responses to Marnie’s wit demonstrate their lack of compatibility. Like Marnie’s former husband, Neil, he doesn’t appreciate her wit as one of her most notable character traits.

Conrad is a static character who remains immune to The Transformative Power of Travel and Nature. Uncomfortable in the countryside, he’s unmoved by its beauty. Conrad’s crass suggestion that the inhabitants of a socially deprived town are having “a siesta” illustrates his disconnection with his surroundings. His lack of commitment to the Coast to Coast Walk is demonstrated by his inappropriate attire of skinny jeans and trainers. The novel uses comic irony in its portrayal of Conrad, who professes to be a sports psychology enthusiast but on the walk has the staying power to complete only one day of the route.

Notable for her absence from the group that meets for the Coast to Coast Walk, Tess is a dentist and triathlete, and she’s Cleo’s friend. Cleo invites Tess to go because she believes her “outdoorsy” nature makes her the perfect match for Michael. Tess’s cancelling the engagement creates an uneven dynamic in the group. Marnie becomes the only single woman, pitting Michael and Conrad against each other as potential romantic rivals.

While Michael dates Tess later in the novel, their relationship doesn’t last. Despite the couple’s shared love of outdoor pursuits, they lack the depth of emotional connection that Michael and Marnie experience together. The short-lived romance illustrates the mysterious nature of romantic love. Although theoretically compatible, Tess and Michael’s relationship ultimately lacks the necessary spark.

Michael’s wife, Natasha, is another character whose absence plays a significant role in the novel’s plot and central ideas. Her decision to leave Michael is a catalyst for his loneliness, causing him to withdraw from social connections. Michael’s inability to accept that Natasha’s departure is permanent leaves him in a state of stasis, reluctant to move forward. His hope that Natasha may want a reconciliation prevents him from total emotional commitment to Marnie during the Coast to Coast Walk.

The novel presents Natasha through a flashback as Michael recalls their painful meeting in Richmond. The shock of learning that Natasha is pregnant finally forces Michael to face the fact that he can’t revive the past. While the encounter leaves him feeling humiliated, Natasha treats Michael with tenderness and continued affection. Their interaction explores the pain of involuntary childlessness, suggesting that their marriage couldn’t withstand their mutual sadness.