Boyfriend Material

Alexis Hall
54 pages1-hour read
Fiction
Novel
Adult
Published in 2020

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Character List

Meet the key characters, with insights into their roles, motivations, and relationships—spoiler-free.

Major Characters

Luc is a fundraiser for a dung beetle preservation charity and the son of a famous rock star. He has a history of bad press, leading to a public image that threatens his current employment. He lives in a messy apartment in London and relies on a close-knit group of friends for support.

Key Relationships

Fake Boyfriend of Oliver Blackwood

Estranged Son of Jon Fleming

Close Friend of Bridget

Coworker of Alex

Employee of Dr. Amelia Fairclough

Ex-boyfriend of Miles

Target of Cam

Oliver is a criminal defense barrister who maintains an impeccably clean home and a strict ethical vegetarian diet. He agrees to act as Luc's fake boyfriend in exchange for a companion to bring to his parents' anniversary party. He values order, routine, and a tidy appearance, which contrasts sharply with Luc's chaotic lifestyle.

Key Relationships

Fake Boyfriend of Luc O’Donnell

Son of Miriam And David Blackwood

Brother of Christopher Blackwood

Friend of Jennifer

Jon is a famous rock star from the 1980s currently making a career comeback through a reality television show. He abandoned his family when Luc was three years old. He reaches out to Luc, citing a recent health scare as his motivation to reconnect and build a relationship.

Key Relationships

Estranged Father of Luc O’Donnell

Former Romantic Partner of Odile O’Donnell

Miriam and David are Oliver's wealthy parents who uphold highly traditional standards of success. They frequently direct their conversations at the room rather than speaking to individuals directly. They regularly criticize Oliver's career choices and personal life while maintaining an image of high social standing.

Key Relationships

Parents of Oliver Blackwood

Parents of Christopher Blackwood

Parents-in-law of Mia

Odile is Luc's mother and a former singer-songwriter from France. She lives an eccentric lifestyle and shares a home with her best friend, Judy. She offers Luc unconditional emotional support and encourages him to prioritize his own happiness above all else.

Key Relationships

Mother of Luc O’Donnell

Former Romantic Partner of Jon Fleming

Best Friend of Judy

Supporting Characters

Bridget is one of Luc's closest friends and the person who initially suggests Oliver for the fake boyfriend scheme. She frequently experiences work crises but remains fiercely dedicated to Luc's well-being.

Key Relationships

Close Friend of Luc O’Donnell

Romantic Partner of Tom

Alex is Luc's well-meaning coworker at the dung beetle charity. He frequently misses social cues but genuinely wants to help Luc, even offering himself as a fake boyfriend candidate despite having a long-term girlfriend.

Key Relationships

Coworker of Luc O’Donnell

Boyfriend of Miffy

Dr. Fairclough is the lead scientist, organizer, and supervisor at the dung beetle charity. She places Luc on strict notice to fix his public image or face termination before the upcoming Beetle Drive fundraiser.

Key Relationships

Employer of Luc O’Donnell

Miffy is Alex's girlfriend and the daughter of an earl. She previously attracted heavy media attention due to a kidnapping incident, making her socially insulated by wealth and status.

Key Relationships

Girlfriend of Alex

Social Acquaintance of Luc O’Donnell

Priya is a lesbian artist and part of Luc's core friend group. She offers practical support, such as bringing her truck for transportation, alongside blunt observations about Luc's habits.

Key Relationships

Friend of Luc O’Donnell

Tom is Luc's "friend-in-law" who briefly dated Luc before entering a long-term relationship with Bridget. He remains a steady presence in their social circle.

Key Relationships

Romantic Partner of Bridget

Ex-boyfriend of Luc O’Donnell

James is one of Luc's close friends and part of his reliable support system. He is married to another man who shares the exact same name.

Key Relationships

Friend of Luc O’Donnell

Judy is Odile's best friend and housemate. She frequently shares elaborate stories from her past, including a tale about a Russian spy from the 1950s.

Key Relationships

Best Friend of Odile O’Donnell

Family Friend of Luc O’Donnell

Christopher is Oliver's brother and a doctor working in disaster relief. He receives the bulk of his parents' praise but finds their expectations suffocating.

Key Relationships

Brother of Oliver Blackwood

Son of Miriam And David Blackwood

Husband of Mia

Mia is Christopher's wife. She feels alienated by her in-laws, who constantly pressure her to have children despite her clear desire not to do so.

Key Relationships

Wife of Christopher Blackwood

Daughter-in-law of Miriam And David Blackwood

Cam is a journalist who recognizes Luc at a bar. Their brief encounter turns hostile when Luc discovers Cam's profession, resulting in an embarrassing tabloid incident.

Key Relationships

Investigator of Luc O’Donnell

Miles is Luc's ex-boyfriend from a five-year relationship. He sold the story of their romance to a gossip magazine for a large sum of money, permanently damaging Luc's trust.

Key Relationships

Ex-boyfriend of Luc O’Donnell

Rhys is a coworker of Luc's at the dung beetle charity. He helps connect Luc with a chef for a donor lunch and challenges Luc's workplace preconceptions.

Key Relationships

Coworker of Luc O’Donnell

Friend of Bronwyn

Jennifer is a friend of Oliver's who invites him and Luc to her birthday celebration, providing the couple a space to practice their public relationship.

Key Relationships

Bronwyn is a chef and friend of Rhys who runs a vegan restaurant where Luc attempts to woo potential donors back to his charity.

Key Relationships

Friend of Rhys

Professional Contact of Luc O’Donnell

Sophie is a corporate lawyer who challenges Luc about his charity work during dinner, eventually becoming interested in the Beetle Drive event.

Key Relationships

Social Acquaintance of Luc O’Donnell