Andy Barbour's Tragic Fate
The GoldfinchAndy's life as a gifted but bullied boy, and his untimely death.
increasing
Bearing strength in each event
decreasing
Childhood Friendship with Theo

Two Outcasts
Skipped a Grade
Andy and Theo are both skipped ahead. They become targets for bullies.
Bonding
They spend weekends together, playing chess and watching movies. Andy is loyal and intelligent.
Support
Theo defends Andy from bullies. Andy appreciates Theo's friendship.
Struggles with Family

A Difficult Home
Father's Illness
Andy's father has bipolar disorder. The family is strained. Andy feels neglected.
Mother's Distance
Mrs. Barbour is cold and formal. Andy craves affection but doesn't get it.
Academic Pressure
Andy excels in school but is socially isolated. He finds solace in science and math.
Drowning in Maine

The Accident
Sailing with Father
Andy reluctantly joins his father and brother on a sailing trip. The weather turns bad.
Capsizing
The boat capsizes. Andy's life jacket fails. He drowns.
Aftermath
His death devastates the family. Theo learns about it from Platt years later.
Elementary school
Teenage years
Five months before Theo learns of it