The Idea of You

Robinne Lee

46 pages 1-hour read

Robinne Lee

The Idea of You

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2017

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Character List

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

Major Characters

Solène is a 39-year-old single mother and accomplished owner of the Marchand Raphel art gallery in Los Angeles. Proud of her French heritage, she possesses a refined, polished demeanor that often makes her feel slightly separate from other mothers. She dedicates herself to her gallery, championing women artists and artists of color, while carefully balancing her independent identity with her responsibilities as a parent.

Key Relationships

Romantic interest of Hayes Campbell

Mother of Isabelle Ford

Ex-wife of Daniel Ford

Business partner of Lulit Raphel

Friend of Amara

Hayes is the 20-year-old lead singer, songwriter, and founder of the massively popular British boy band August Moon. Descended from a wealthy British family, he rejects his parents' lofty expectations to pursue music. Despite the lack of privacy that accompanies his global fame, he longs to be taken seriously as a musical artist and quickly acts on his attraction to Solène's maturity and passion for art.

Key Relationships

Romantic interest of Solène Marchand

Bandmate of Oliver Hoyt-Knight

Celebrity idol of Isabelle Ford

Former partner of Penelope

Former partner of Filipa

Isabelle is the 12-year-old daughter of Solène and Daniel. Like many girls her age, she is a devoted fan of August Moon and harbors a deep celebrity crush on Hayes Campbell. She is currently dealing with the awkward transition from childhood to adolescence, adjusting to shifting family dynamics following her parents' divorce and her father's new relationship.

Key Relationships

Daughter of Solène Marchand

Daughter of Daniel Ford

Father's girlfriend to Eva

Oliver is Hayes's childhood best friend and fellow bandmate in August Moon. Known as the most elegant member of the group, he is surrounded by rumors regarding his personal life. He harbors hidden resentments and utilizes inappropriate behavior to exert control over others, creating friction within the band's inner circle.

Key Relationships

Bandmate of Hayes Campbell

Antagonist to Solène Marchand

Boyfriend of Charlotte

Brother of Penelope

Supporting Characters

Daniel is a successful entertainment lawyer and Solène's ex-husband. He frequently prioritizes his career and personal life over his parenting commitments, leaving Solène to manage unexpected childcare duties. His tendency to monitor and judge Solène's choices creates friction as they attempt to co-parent Isabelle.

Key Relationships

Ex-husband of Solène Marchand

Father of Isabelle Ford

Romantic partner of Eva

Lulit is Solène's business partner and co-owner of the Marchand Raphel Gallery. As Solène's closest confidante, she provides pragmatic advice and steady support, acting as a grounding presence in Solène's life. She actively encourages Solène to embrace new experiences and prioritize her personal happiness.

Key Relationships

Business partner of Solène Marchand

Penelope is Oliver's older sister and a figure from Hayes's early teenage years. Her past connection to Hayes remains a point of contention within the band's social dynamic.

Key Relationships

Former partner of Hayes Campbell

Charlotte is Oliver's girlfriend who frequently accompanies the band on their travels. She is talkative and shares insider information about the band's origins and the members' habits.

Key Relationships

Girlfriend of Oliver Hoyt-Knight

Acquaintance of Solène Marchand

Eva is Daniel's younger girlfriend, whose presence represents a significant shift in Isabelle's family structure. Her relationship with Daniel highlights the different societal standards applied to aging men versus women.

Key Relationships

Romantic partner of Daniel Ford

Father's girlfriend to Isabelle Ford

Amara is a friend of Solène's from the art world. She engages in candid discussions about the societal pressures placed on women regarding aging and desirability.

Key Relationships

Filipa is one of Hayes's former romantic partners whose sudden appearance triggers insecurities for Solène regarding Hayes's dating history.

Key Relationships

Former partner of Hayes Campbell