Gino Character Analysis in My Brilliant Friend

Gino is the son of the local pharmacist. Gino has a big crush on Lenù and pays careful attention to her developing body. He even gives her a share of his winnings in a bet with another boy that Lenù’s breasts are real and not simply a bra stuffed with cotton. Later, he asks Lenù to be his girlfriend, but she rejects him out of hand and coasts high on the feeling of being so wanted. Eventually, in high school, Gino asks Lenù out again, and the two of them date for a short time.

Gino Character Timeline in My Brilliant Friend

The timeline below shows where the character Gino appears in My Brilliant Friend. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

One afternoon, Gino, the pharmacist’s son, follows Lenù home from school and tells her that his classmates have... (full context)

Masculine vs. Feminine Violence Theme Icon

...“besiege” her and ask to see her breasts, having heard about what Lenù did for Gino. Lenù begins staying inside and studying hard during every spare moment. One morning in May,... (full context)

...with Lila. Lenù’s classmates—even the ones who have known her since childhood, like Alfonso and Gino—begin calling her Greco or Elena out of respect. Gino once again asks Lenù to be... (full context)

Poverty, Social Climbing, and Sacrifice Theme Icon

...through it. Lenù distracts Lila from talking about school and literature by telling her about Gino. Lila taunts Lenù for having “given in” to love. Lila begins talking about Melina and... (full context)

Between Lenù’s renewed friendship with Lila, her success in school, and her relationship with Gino, Lenù begins to feel strong and confident. She notices that when Lila talks to her... (full context)

...to school after Christmas break. Classes are hard, and many of her classmates drop out. Gino and Alfonso struggle to keep up, and when Gino laughs at Alfonso for crying out... (full context)

Lenù advances in school and gets a scholarship. Gino fails out of school, while Alfonso is told he’ll need to take his qualifying exams... (full context)

...gossip, and Marisa tells Lenù that she has a secret boyfriend. She asks Lenù about Gino, but Lenù quickly tells her that she and Gino have been over for “ages.” (full context)