Point of View

The narrative of Ordinary People is told through the thoughts of the characters (mostly Conrad's and Cal's), dialogue, and through a few flashbacks. Conrad's thoughts are often clues to how he is feeling, and early on they are filled with his distorted images of himself and his life. As the book progresses, Conrad's thoughts show his transition back into the real world. Calvin is the other character whose thoughts are primary in the book. His thoughts focus on Conrad's well-being and his disintegrating relationship with the woman he thought was the perfect wife.

Setting

The story takes place in Lake Forest, Illinois. It is right before Christmas and the weather is seasonably cold. The story unfolds over the course of that year but with flashbacks to the year before, when Conrad's brother Jordan dies in a boating accident and Conrad attempts suicide. Most of the action...