Normal People ending explained: What happens to Connell and Marianne in the end?

Based on Sally Rooney's 2018 hit novel of the same name, Normal People, starring Paul Mescal and Daisy Edgar Jones was released in the UK on BBC Three on April 26, 2020. On April 28, 2020, the romantic psychological drama was also released in Ireland on RTÉ One. Additionally, the miniseries was added to Hulu on April 29, 2020.

Following the show's release, it garnered significant praise from audiences concerning its plot, acting, direction, and writing. It also amassed immense acclaim for its sensitive handling of mature topics. However, what divided the viewers the most was the show's ending. The show ends with Connell telling Marianne that he will move to New York and her deciding to stay in Dublin.

While some people thought that Connell and Marianne going their different paths in the end was good, based on how far they had come as individuals, some were disappointed that the two did not end up together.

There was yet another hopeful faction, separate from the two mentioned before, who drew conclusions based on the show's slightly ambiguous ending which left room for multiple interpretations. According, to them if Connell and Marianne's story were to continue, they would have most certainly ended up together.

Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers. Please read at your discretion.

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Connell and Marianne go their different paths in Normal People

Throughout Normal People, the audiences experience Connell and Marianne venturing from their high school era into their college era. Although the experiences in both eras are different for both parties, what remains constant is their unwavering support and fondness towards each other.

Throughout the journey, Connell and Marianne go different ways several times but somehow find their way back to one another. So when eventually things were working out between the pair, the audiences were hopeful that they would have a happy ending. However, that was not the case.

Towards the end, in one of the most heart-wrenching portrayals on screen, it was revealed that Connell would be moving to New York for an MFA program he had his eyes on for quite some time. When he asks if Marianne would accompany him, she refuses, saying that she has found her ground in Dublin and would, therefore, like to stay back.

Connell assures Marianne that he would be back after a year after which they could be together. However, Marianne retorts and says that the chances of that happening are thin as they would be completely different people then, in which case Connell is making a false promise. Following this, Connell and Marianne acknowledge the part they have played in each other's lives and decide to go their different ways.

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Connell and Marianne came together before departing in Normal People

Before Connell and Marianne went their separate ways they were leading a happy life together in Trinity, Dublin where both of them were studying. Although their relationship wasn't perfect, they were trying their best to navigate through it together.

However, that did not last for too long because, as much as their relationship with each other had grown, so had they, as individuals. In terms of what they wanted from their life, they were sure that they wanted to pursue their passions, even if that led them in different directions.

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Normal People tells a story about normal people

Doing justice to the name of the show, Normal People depicts exactly what it promises. The show takes the audience on a journey of two normal people(Connell and Marianne) from completely different socio-economic backgrounds and puts them together.

Despite their differences, these two people are very much alike. So much so that the show almost uses the same tropes to depict Connell's journey in college that were used to depict Marianne's in school.

While Marriane only existed on the sidelines in school, Connell on the other hand, was very popular. The roles were reversed when the two went to college where Marriane was the popular one while Connell was struggling to find his footing in an elite institution.

The show paints a realistic picture of life, where two supposedly ordinary people become extraordinary to each other and end up influencing each other through their individual experiences. Although the pair did not end up together in the end, they allowed themselves to know each other wholly.

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All episodes of Normal People are available for streaming on Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and Apple TV Plus.