The Sense of an Ending

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.