Laurence Character Analysis in A Little Life

Laurence is Harold’s best friend and an appellate court judge in Boston. He oversees the proceedings of Jude’s adoption. Jude sees Laurence and his wife, Gillian, at dinners and holiday gatherings at Harold and Julia’s house. Harold calls Laurence to ask for advice when he and Julia are considering adopting Jude, and Laurence urges Harold to be cautious. Laurence, like Harold, likes Jude and recognizes his obvious brilliance. But Laurence also acknowledges that there is so much about Jude—and about Jude’s past—that they don’t know, and he thinks Harold should be wary of this.

Laurence Character Timeline in A Little Life

The timeline below shows where the character Laurence appears in A Little Life. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

During one dinner at Harold’s house, Jude meets Harold’s best friend, Laurence, an appellate court judge in Boston; and Laurence’s wife Gillian, an English professor. They ask... (full context)

Friendship and Human Connection Theme Icon

...been rambling on about math and beauty for quite some time, and he apologizes. But Laurence orders him not to apologize—he’s giving them probably the most riveting conversation they’ve had at... (full context)

...house in preparation for a party for Julia’s 51st birthday, Jude finds a book of Laurence’s. Jude jokingly threatens to tell Laurence. Harold leaps toward Jude, playfully pretending to attack him.... (full context)

There are eight dinner guests this year: Harold and Julia, Laurence and Gillian, some of Julia’s friends, and Willem and Jude. As expected, Harold’s trout falls... (full context)

Everyone heads to the appeals court, and inside Laurence’s courtroom, they make the adoption official. JB takes their picture and they return to Harold’s... (full context)

...watched it suffer and die. After Julia and Harold decide to adopt Jude, Harold asks Laurence what he thinks about it. Laurence is wary—how much does Harold really know about Jude?... (full context)

...Harold and explains that Jude’s been having a hard time. The next day, Harold contacts Laurence to see if he can find out anything about Jude in the state’s juvenile records.... (full context)