Conversations With Friends - series overview and characters

BBC Three's adaptation of Sally Rooney's award-winning debut novel Conversations With Friends starts 15 May, with all episodes available on BBC iPlayer

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Series overview

Frances (Alison Oliver) is observant, cerebral and sharp. Her ex-girlfriend, now best friend, Bobbi (Sasha Lane) is self-assured, outspoken and compelling. Though they broke up three years ago, Frances and Bobbi are virtually inseparable and perform spoken-word poetry together in Dublin. It’s at one of their shows that they meet Melissa (Jemima Kirke), an older writer, who is fascinated by the pair.

Bobbi and Frances start to spend time with Melissa and her husband, Nick (Joe Alwyn), a handsome but reserved actor. While Melissa and Bobbi flirt with each other openly, Nick and Frances embark on an intense, secret affair that is surprising to them both. Soon the affair begins to test the bond between Frances and Bobbi, forcing Frances to reconsider her sense of self, and the friendship she holds so dear.

Character Biographies

Alison Oliver is Frances: Smart, sharp and observant, Frances (21) studies English at Trinity College, Dublin. Frances is an aspiring writer and performs spoken-word poetry with her best friend – and ex-girlfriend, Bobbi.

Sasha Lane is Bobbi: Undeniably cool and charming, Bobbi is Frances’s best friend - and ex-girlfriend. She’s American (she moved to Ireland as a teenager) and even though they broke up years ago, they are inseparable.

Joe Alwyn is Nick: Nick (32) is an actor from Dublin, and is married to Melissa. He’s talented and kind, but can also be reserved and insecure. He and Frances share undeniable chemistry.

Jemma Kirke is Melissa: Melissa (30s) is English, and lives in Dublin. A successful writer, Melissa is cool and at times intimidating; she’s married to Nick, though their marriage is not straightforward.

Justine Mitchell is Paula: Paula (50s) is Frances’ mother. She separated from her husband Dennis (Frances’ father) nine years ago. Paula is practical and perceptive and lives alone in Ballinascaul, Co Mayo.

Tommy Tiernan is Dennis: (late 50s) is Frances’ father. Dennis is an alcoholic and lives alone in Ballinascaul. He supports Frances financially though the two struggle to connect emotionally.

Alex Murphy is Philip: Philip is a friend of Frances and Bobbi’s who gets Frances her summer internship. A little conventional, but caring, Philip is ambitious and hopes to move into publishing.

Tadgh Murphy is Derek: Derek (Late 30s) is an old friend of Nick’s and part of their Dublin social circle. Funny and bohemian, Derek is a talented musician and married to Evelyn.

Salley Garnett is Evelyn: Evelyn (30s), married to Derek and close to Melissa, whom she took under her wing when Melissa moved over. Evelyn runs a small literary festival and is a brilliant singer.

Kerry Fox is Valerie: Valerie (50’s/60s) is Melissa’s mentor and agent. Valerie is considered an important figure in the literary world and is a provocative and intimidating presence. She owns the Croatian holiday villa.

About

BBC Three's adaptation of Sally Rooney's award-winning debut novel Conversations With Friends starts 15 May, with all episodes available on BBC iPlayer.

Source BBC Three

May 15, 2022 4:00am ET by BBC Three  

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