Who Dies In 'Not In Love' And How Does It Affect The Plot?

Reading 'Not in Love' was like riding an emotional rollercoaster, especially when it came to the deaths that shaped the story. The most pivotal death is Eli, the protagonist's childhood friend and unrequited love. His passing isn’t just a tragic moment—it’s the catalyst that forces the protagonist to confront their fear of vulnerability. Eli dies in a car accident, a seemingly mundane event that’s rendered heart-wrenching because of its abruptness. There’s no dramatic farewell, just a phone call that shatters the protagonist’s world. The raw authenticity of that moment stuck with me; grief in the story isn’t poetic, it’s messy and uneven, like real life.

The impact on the plot is profound. Eli’s death forces the protagonist to reevaluate their relationships, especially with Rae, the person Eli was dating at the time. The guilt and jealousy that follow are palpable, and the story explores how loss can twist emotions into something unrecognizable. Rae becomes both a mirror and a trigger for the protagonist’s unresolved feelings, and their interactions are charged with this unspoken tension. The narrative doesn’t shy away from showing how grief can isolate people, even when they’re grieving the same person. The protagonist’s career as a musician also takes a hit—their creative block isn’t just a plot device, it’s a visceral representation of how loss can stifle expression.

Another death that quietly shapes the story is Aunt Marla’s. She’s not a central character, but her passing is the thread that pulls the protagonist back to their hometown, setting the stage for memories and confrontations. Her death is slower, expected, yet it carries a different weight. It’s a reminder of time passing, of roots and regrets. The way the two deaths contrast—one sudden, one lingering—adds layers to how the story examines mortality. 'Not in Love' doesn’t use death as a cheap shock; it lets the aftermath breathe, showing how absence can linger in empty coffee cups, unsent texts, and songs half-written.