Sophisticated, wealthy, and burdened by the social expectations of her class. She must choose between her daughter and her authentic self.

Carol’s former lover and loyal friend, who serves as a bridge between Carol’s past and present. 4. Themes to Explore

Originally published under the pseudonym Claire Morgan because Highsmith’s publishers feared being associated with "lesbian fiction" [1, 2].

Young, artistic, and feeling trapped in a stagnant relationship with her boyfriend, Richard. She is the "observer" of the novel.

Watch the 2015 adaptation, Carol , directed by Todd Haynes, starring Rooney Mara and Cate Blanchett. It is widely praised for capturing the novel's atmospheric tension [7].