The Marriage Plot is a 2011 novel by the American writer, Jeffrey Eugenides. The novel grew out of a manuscript that Eugenides began after the publication of his sophomore Pulitizer Prize-winning novel, Middlesex. Eugenides has stated that he worked on the novel for about five or six years, and that portions are loosely based on his collegiate and post-collegiate experiences. The book is both a realist story about marriage and a commentary on the kind of story it tells. The novel was well received by many critics, and was featured on year-end best of 2011 lists. Summary The story focuses on three college friends from Brown University — Madeleine Hanna, Leonard Bankhead, and Mitchell Grammaticus — beginning in their senior year, 1982, and subsequently follows them during their first year post-graduation. Characters Madeleine Hanna: An English major at Brown University and the daughter of affluent parents. During the course of the novel she is concerned with the writing of her undergraduate thesis, which revolves around the concept of "the marriage plot" in the 19th century novel. She is also ensnared in a love triangle of sorts with her classmates, Leonard Bankhead and Mitchell Grammaticus. Leonard Bankhead: A Biology major with a side interest in Philosophy, who quickly becomes Madeleine's paramour. Following graduation Madeleine and Leonard move to Cape Cod where Leonard takes up postgraduate work at a biology lab. It is also noted that Leonard has bipolar disorder and this informs many of his actions and thought processes throughout. Mitchell Grammaticus: A Religious Studies major who spends the majority of the novel lusting after spiritual truth and Madeleine. Following graduation, Mitchell and his classmate, Larry, embark on a lengthy tour of Europe and India. Development Eugenides began the novel after the publication of his novel Middlesex. He intended to write a “more tightly dramatized” novel than Middlesex, taking place over a year or several years, rather than 70. Originally, the plot concerned a debutante party, or a large family reunion, but after writing about the arrival of a daughter Madeleine to the party, he changed the plot to focus on her and her education. Certain aspects of the novel are autobiographical. Mitchell, like Eugenides, is Greek, was raised in Detroit, carried a briefcase in college, and traveled to India after his graduation. Eugenides has said that certain traits of Madeleine and Leonard are also drawn from his experience and personality.