Me Before You

A dynamic, empathetic woman, Louisa Clark faces a new chapter in her life that strips her of the comforts of her job at a local café and forces her to confront her deepest fears (including a past sexual assault). An observer of humanity, Louisa thrives in social interactions and embraces a bold, unique style that matches her personable energy. Hired for her bright nature, she enters the complex world of the wealthy Traynors. Through her six months as Will’s caregiver, she expands her worldview and experiences personal growth.

Family-oriented, Louisa balances the financial needs of her family with the self-centered needs of her long-term boyfriend, Patrick. Resigned to life in her small hometown, she pushes herself outside of her comfort zone and applies to a caregiver job out of desperation. This choice comes to challenge her worldview and relationships. Morally torn over Will’s plan to die by euthanasia, Louisa embarks on a mission to convince him of life’s value and ends up with a deeper understanding of love, respect, and the realities of life as a person with disabilities. Through her interactions with Will, Will’s nurse, and other people with disabilities, she educates herself on disability and comes to respect the autonomy of people struggling with their disabilities. As she gains more independence, she reexamines her relationships with her family and boyfriend and challenges herself to explore a life outside of her hometown. Out of love for Will, Louisa supports him in his final moments and accepts his guidance on how to live a fulfilling life.

A magistrate and devout Christian, Camilla Traynor attempts to balance her moral values with her deep love for her son Will. Desperate to please and protect Will, she employs Louisa as a last attempt to stop him from dying by euthanasia. However, this devotion leads Camilla to stay in an unhappy marriage. She sacrifices her own happiness for that of her son, even if this happiness derives from his plan for assisted suicide. A foil to Louisa, Camilla maintains strict control over her life and demeanor as a means of coping with her son’s disability and her husband’s infidelity. Out of love, she exposes herself to potential private and public scrutiny and makes every effort to maintain Will’s relationship with Louisa. She is the catalyst for Will and Louisa’s reunions through Me Before You and serves an important role as one of Will’s caregivers.

Will’s father, Steven Traynor, maintains his relationship with his estranged wife, Camilla, to create a support system for their son. Already in a relationship with another woman, Steven sacrifices his own happiness for Will’s sake while also continuing to engage in his extramarital affair. He supports Will’s autonomy and often serves as opposition to Camilla’s more restrictive ways. He encourages Will and Louisa’s relationship while navigating his own nuanced feelings regarding Will’s decision to die by euthanasia. Moyes includes Steven’s perspective as a representation of caregivers’ feelings as they attempt to support their loved ones with disabilities.

A New Zealander and Will’s long-time nurse, Nathan serves as a grounding force throughout the novel. Dedicated to his job, he cares for Will while educating Louisa on the realities of life with disabilities. As Louisa struggles to navigate her growing feelings for Will, Nathan reminds her and the reader of the dangerous realities of life for a quadriplegic person. Louisa often turns to Nathan for conversation and educated advice. While she questions her ability to support Will’s plan for euthanasia, Nathan fully respects Will’s autonomy. As Will’s main confidant, he conveys Will’s innermost thoughts and feelings while retaining a professional demeanor.

Known as Treena in her family, Katrina Clark aids Louisa throughout the novel as her main confidant. She is Louisa’s younger sister, a young mother whose choice to bear a child contributes to Louisa’s sense of responsibility for her family and inability to leave her hometown. The sisters endure a tumultuous relationship as they navigate resentment and a shared desire to escape their hometown—though it takes time for Louisa to realize this desire herself. Despite moments of friction, they sustain their connection by turning to each other during their lowest moments. It is Treena who discovered and comforted Louisa after a past sexual assault, and in the present, she actively helps Louisa construct a plan to save Will. When Louisa returns from Mauritius devastated by Will’s continued plan to die by euthanasia, Treena encourages her to pursue a college degree and challenge herself. With Treena’s support, Louisa is able to reunite with Will before his death and begin a new life.