Friendships in Curious Incident

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Christopher never mentions that he has any friends that he hangs out with on a daily basis. He is introduced in the novel as being extremely consumed about Wellington being killed. When he arrives at school he is greeted by one person only. I learned later that he attends a special school for his disability and has a helper with him. Although Siobhan is doing her job, she is presented in the novel as his close friend. He has someone to talk to every day and discuss with about what is going on at home. Siobhan’s role as her being his instructor and advisor at school comes out when she is curious if Christopher is afraid to go home after his dad hit him. Siobhan really helps Christopher when he is overwhelmed and begins groaning. He recalls that he should count prime numbers or do some math problems in his head to calm down.


Christopher’s other “friend” is Toby, his pet rat. Of course, they cannot talk to each other but, Christopher takes extremely good care of him. Christopher risks his life for Toby at the train station without even knowing it. I believe that Toby is Christopher’s way of having a little more control in his life. Also, Christopher chooses when he touches Toby and Toby can’t make any loud noises that will bother him. When Toby bites Christopher he is stunned and I know that moment further pushes him over the edge while he is looking for him mother. At the end of the day, Christopher does not seem like to type of person who has a longing for friends. He can be just fine with his math and Toby. Since he is heavy on having a routine, maybe friendships would be too much for him to handle. People are unpredictable and it might bother him to a certain degree that he cannot put them on a routine too. Overall, Christopher has the necessary support and “friendships” that he needs to be alright. Despite the drama with parents, as long as he has Toby and Siobhan he will be fine. 

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