The Plastic Age · Character

Norry Parker

A strange, poetic New York boy whose artist father and charming mother open a glittering summer world to Hugh — and to Cynthia.

supporting

Also known as Parker, Norris Parker

First appearance: ii

As a supporting figure in The Plastic Age, Norry Parker is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

A student involved in fraternity life and social activities.

In the storyThe Plastic AgeOpen this moment free

See Norry Parker in The Plastic Age Book page

Free preview opens at this moment — character cards, Character Web, and themes sit beside the text as you read.

Norry is the gateway: his family's cottage on the Sound, his introductions to boarding-school girls who smoke and pet and drink, his father's quiet gratitude for Hugh's friendship. He is treated by the girls as a nice small boy, which sharpens the contrast with Hugh's sudden desirability. It is through Norry's world that Hugh falls in love, gets his first real taste of sophistication, and begins to lose his old prejudices.

Continue beside the text

The fuller portrait of Norry Parker sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.

See Norry Parker in ii

Character Web

16 connections

A slice of how Norry Parker sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Friendship
Social
Other

Character groups

Hugh's Core Friend Group
Background Characters and References
Protagonist
Close Confidants and Acquaintances

+11 more in the full Character Web

Open in reader

Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This is the story's dramatic climax because Hugh reaches the peak of his emotional and psychological turmoil,…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

Follow the arc while reading

Relationships

Hugh Carver
friendship · positive
Norry is Hugh's loyal and more idealistic friend, often serving as a moral counterpoint… How this plays out →
Cynthia Day
social · positive
Hugh Carver
friendship · positive
Norry is Hugh's loyal and more idealistic friend, often serving as a moral counterpoint… How this plays out →
Hugh Carver
friendship · positive
Norry is Hugh's loyal and more idealistic friend, often serving as a moral counterpoint… How this plays out →
Cynthia Day
social · positive
Cynthia Day
social · positive

Hugh Carver
Norry is Hugh's loyal and more idealistic friend, often serving as a moral counterpoint to Carl's influence.
Cynthia Day
Cynthia and Norry are acquaintances within the same college social scene, but their interactions are limited and mostly superficial.
Hugh Carver
Norry is Hugh's loyal and more idealistic friend, often serving as a moral counterpoint to Carl's influence.
Hugh Carver
Norry is Hugh's loyal and more idealistic friend, often serving as a moral counterpoint to Carl's influence.
Cynthia Day
Cynthia and Norry are acquaintances within the same college social scene, but their interactions are limited and mostly superficial.
Cynthia Day
Cynthia and Norry are acquaintances within the same college social scene, but their interactions are limited and mostly superficial.

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See Norry Parker in ii

In the story

Norry Parker appears across 8 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

The Plastic Age
A student involved in fraternity life and social activities.
Chapter XVIII
Hugh's Catholic friend; a sensitive, artistic freshman who plays violin and writes poetry; shares a deep bond with Hugh over beauty and creativity.
XIX
Norry is a mystical, dreamy companion whose friendship brings Hugh happiness, though constant association would be a strain.
Chapter XX
Invites Hugh to his family's summer cottage; appears healthier and more vibrant, and introduces Hugh to a new social circle.
Prom
Discovers Hugh and Cynthia in his room, intervenes to protect Cynthia, and is bitterly disillusioned by Hugh's behavior.
Chapter XXIII
Listens to Hugh's confession and shares his own past heartbreak; reveals a deeper, more passionate side.
XXIV
Returns after Christmas and tells Hugh that Cynthia looks awful from overexertion.
XXVII
Hugh recalls Norry during his walk past Keller Hall.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Norry Parker unlock in the free preview.

See Norry Parker in ii

See Norry Parker in The Plastic Age