Adrian Mole and the Weapons of Mass Destruction joke in the book is that Adrian does not know whether Mr Carlton-Hayes' partner Leslie is a man or a woman; this is never made clear. Although they are from different backgrounds, he and Adrian share an appreciation of literature, contempt for Michael Flowers, and a similar reservation about expressing their feelings. It is revealed in that Leslie is a man and implied they both left their wives for their relationship. Pauline is Adrian's mother, and plays less of a role in the story than in previous books. Like Adrian, Pauline is inclined to spend using money she hasn't got.
John Courtney (diarist) John Courtney (diarist) John Courtney (1734–1806) was an English diarist, lawyer and property owner. He attended Trinity College, Cambridge, where received legal training, and inherited lands and properties in and around Beverley, Yorkshire, where he lived and served in the local militia. He kept diaries from 1759 to his death. Courtney was born in Beverley. His father, also John (1679–1756), the son of a London stonemason, worked for the East India Company and became Governor of Surat. His mother was Elizabeth Bourdenand (née Featherstone), daughter of Thomas Featherstone of Beverley. His parents were married in 1732. Courtney studied at Beverley