Elio

Elio is the central character and protagonist. Elio’s character is defined by his sexual preoccupation with Oliver: initially through his projections into the future about whether a sexual relationship will ever occur and then, when it finally does occur, through the intense emotions this causes him. Elio’s character arc features a change from an introverted and withdrawn character to someone who feels better able to communicate his own passions with others, beginning with Oliver but eventually expanding to include the many artistic and intellectual personalities he encounters in Rome. Elio’s growth as a person is symbolized by his increasing feelings of comfort with his body.

Elio narrates the story from an unspecified time in his own future looking back on events he has already experienced. As such, his narration is infused with moments where he points out how he could have interpreted things differently or...