[1] It focuses on the worries and regrets of a teenage aspiring intellectual and, like its predecessor, takes the form of a diary.

Adrian Mole is an outsider who feels the reason he can't quite fit in with "regular" society is that he is an intellectual.

Evidence from his diary entries include a precocious interest in literature, in left-wing politics, a desire to have his own poetry show on the BBC, his dislike of Margaret Thatcher and his frequent critiques of his less-refined schoolmates and family.

Although portrayed as somewhat vain and self-centred, Adrian is the only friend and frequent caretaker of the OAP Bert Baxter, and also shows a great deal of concern and compassion for the misfortunes of his parents and respect for the authority of his grandmother.

He constantly writes about the "spots" that mar his complexion, and he also has self-esteem issues about his height and physical maturity.