The following version of this book was used to create the guide: Krauze, Gabriel. Who They Was. 4th Estate, 2020.

In Gabriel's Krauze's novel Who They Was, first person narrator Gabriel is 13 when he realizes he does not want to be seen as weak. After a band of local boys intimidate him on his way home from school, Gabriel tells his parents about the terrifying incident. They dismiss the issue, however, asking why he did not simply run away. Gabriel decides he cannot live the life of a victim, and starts carrying a shank shortly thereafter.

Throughout his teenage years he becomes increasingly involved with the local South Kilburn gang. Shortly before starting university, however, Gabriel gets into a fight with his mother, and flees his childhood home. He moves to a friend, Uncle T's, flat in Blake Court. Through Uncle T, his children, and friends, Gabriel learns how to navigate life on the streets. Despite his criminal activities, Gabriel remains devoted to beginning his academic career.

While in university classes studying literature, Gabriel feels conflicted. He wants to do well in school, but is reluctant to give up his gang life. He uses lectures as a place to process the role of violence, revenge, love, and instinct in the world beyond his literary texts.

Meanwhile, Gabriel becomes increasingly involved with his new friend, Gotti. Gotti is unabashed about violence and crime, and compels similar behaviors in Gabriel. Gabriel's other friends, including Bimz, Mazey, and Kaos, however, warn him about Gotti. Bimz and Mazey fear that Gotti's many enemies will soon target Gabriel as well. Kaos, Gabriel's oldest and closest friend, insists that Gotti is not trustworthy and will hurt Gabriel if he is not careful. Gabriel ignores them all.

Not long later, Gabriel gets put on house arrest. He tries continuing his life of crime, and his relationship with his longtime girlfriend Yinka. Yet he finds the ankle bracelet a distraction, an inherent sign of his feelings of entrapment. Shortly after the bracelet is removed, Gabriel gets into another series of altercations, and has to serve time in Feltham Young Offenders Institution. While inside, Gabriel feels incapable of describing what it is like. Once released, however, he does not amend his behaviors at all. His refusal to change, ultimately leads to another series of fights with his family, and his split with Yinka.

To make matters worse, Gabriel soon learns that Gotti has betrayed him. Around the same time, he is attacked in public, and shortly thereafter, Kaos is locked up for four years. Feeling more alone than ever, Gabriel tries attending to his studies. Eventually he finishes his degree, keeping up with Kaos while he serves his sentence. Kaos is then released just in time for Gabriel's graduation.

The narrative then shifts a few years into the future. Gabriel moves out of South Kilburn and into London, and starts selling drugs. Unsure what to do with himself he later returns to South Kilburn, shocked to see that the neighborhood is nearly unrecognizable. After encountering individuals from his past, he feels a sense of confusion and guilt, wondering how to reconcile his competing versions of self.